Ray Flanagan & the Authorities

Same Sky, Different Place

(self-released)

facebook.com/rayflanaganauthorities

Produced by Jim Stewart, (Nights, Lauren Lanzaretta, Welshly Arms) the debut from locals Ray Flanagan & the Authorities shows how quickly the band, which only formed last year, has gelled. Album opener, “The Best We Can,” features hushed vocals and brittle, bluesy guitar riffs. The band switches gears for the following tune, “As We Were,” a somber ballad. The husky voiced Flanagan sounds a bit like Springsteen on the mid-tempo rocker, “Stranded,” and opts for a jazz approach in the Jeff Buckley-like “Demolition.” Ultimately, Flanagan and pals could be categorized as roots rock but the guys embrace a variety of musical styles, suggesting the music could appeal to a wide range of listeners if they keep the jam band tendencies in check.

Ray Flanagan & the Authorities perform with Roger Hoover and the Hurt at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, July 25 at Happy Dog.

This article appears in Jul 23-29, 2014.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.

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