These Glasgow alt-rockers are ready with a moody new single upon the announcement of their debut EP Algorithm Gods. Lo Rays bolster their presence in the rising music scene with a strong message for social media with “Factory Settings,” out now on all major listening platforms.
The blistering interrogation of “Factory Settings” on the wave of culture online has offered an impactful message within the single’s lyrics. Vocalist Laura Takala explores the consequences throughout the digital realm throughout the production.
“Factory Settings” is about questioning your beliefs, who you are and if you are the one in control. I was inspired by how data and social media algorithms can be used to manipulate people’s views and behaviours – and as we have seen, even radicalise.
As someone who spends most of their waking time online, I started to wonder what my part is in this. If the content I see is meant to have an impact on me – how has it affected my world-view? Am I living in a bubble? Is it far from reality? This is how the song was born.
~ Laura Takala
Taking inspiration from Bring Me The Horizon, Enter Shikari, and Grimes, Lo Rays is not one to miss! Lo Rays’ vocalist and founding member, Finnish songwriter Laura Takala, formed the band after moving to Glasgow in 2018 with Scott Bathgate (guitar), Ryan Jones (bass) and Murray Bartle (drums).
“Factory Settings” begins off to a surprising start for the overall intense anthem. A heavy beat fills the soundscape before the leading melody pours in and the pace of the track continues to ramp up and intensify, and we are taken through the journey of facing the pressures that being online have to offer. “Reset me to factory settings,” Takala sings in the chorus, as a cry against the loss of oneself in the push and pull of the doom scroll.
Listen to the song in full, and stay tuned for more updates from Lo Rays!
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