There’s something magic about tour supports — that sweet spot where you catch a band on the rise, still hungry, still sharpening their craft, still earning every new fan. So when Dice announced their tour, we waited to see who they’d bring along. Then a name appeared that none of us had heard before: Ray and Paul, straight out of the US.
James did his usual ritual — deep‑dive listening, instant obsession — but I went in cold. No prep, no expectations. And honestly, I’m glad I did, because what unfolded at The Baso was one of those rare support‑act moments where you realise you’re watching something special before anyone else knows their name.
Ray and Paul walked onstage calm, tight, and clearly well‑rehearsed. Smooth players. Clean sound. Way too good to be the support act — the kind of surprise that lifts your whole day. And I needed that lift.
Ray opened with a quick hello, then launched into a vocal tone that stopped the room. Warm, textured, unexpectedly powerful. Seconds later, the drummer — his brother Paul — slid in with harmonies so sharp and seamless it felt like a single voice splitting in two. Proper jaw‑dropping stuff.
Next track, the roles flipped. Paul stepped forward with lead vocals just as beautiful, just as controlled. Their voices didn’t just blend — they intertwined. Using vocals as instruments is their signature move, and it’s the defining element of their sound: soothing, melodic, and locked into a syncopated indie‑rock groove that hits instantly.
“Suffocated” was the standout — lush, hypnotic, atmospheric.
“Butterflies” landed hard.
And their 2026 release “Hearts Don’t Stand a Chance” showed exactly why they’re built for bigger stages.
They even played a few unreleased tracks, and we’ll be waiting for those the second they drop.
What’s clear is this: Ray and Paul are perfectly built for the Australian scene. Triple J energy. Cult‑following potential. That sweet mix of musicianship, humility, and emotional punch that Aussie crowds latch onto. After their set we chatted with the brothers — both buzzing about playing in Australia for the first time, both genuinely grateful to be here. Naturally, Triple J came up. They want a Like A Version, and honestly, they’d crush it. It’s exactly the kind of act Triple J should be investing in.
Their connection to Dice goes back a year — meeting while Dice toured the States, bonding, then getting the invite for the Altitude Tour. Talking to them after the show, you could feel their appreciation for Australian music. They rattled off influences like Skegss and Spacey Jane, and even floated the idea of moving here.
Ray and Paul are the kind of band you want to follow early, because you can feel the trajectory. They’re polished, passionate, and already carving out something real. If they stick around, they’ll make a serious mark.
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