Enigmatic artist Tomi Gray takes the listener on a journey of discovery on anti-genre album, 'ORPHANS'

Gold Coast’s enigmatic songwriter and performer, Tomi Gray, pours a tonne of sharp storytelling and theatrical know-how into his latest album, ‘ORPHANS’, out now. Across nine tracks—including the previously released ‘Boomerang’ and ‘Busted Broken Bones’—Gray takes listeners on a sonic journey through his ever-evolving artistry.

‘ORPHANS’ sees an artist refusing to be pigeonholed—anti-genre, to coin a Gray phrase—allowing the songs to blur across a sonic palette of western, hip-hop, alt-pop, blues, and alt-rock, all wrapped in a blanket of nostalgia. Album opener ‘Be Afraid’, despite its title, is comforting in its sparseness. ‘Superwomb’ dips its toes into trip-hop but holds back just enough to become something else entirely—almost like Massive Attack channeling Morricone. The titular track twists and turns with a six-string on its back through a gauntlet of experimental dark pop, while ‘Bianca Tigertooth’ lets hints of Black Keys dirt and stomp poke through. 

It’s a journey through Gray’s psyche and self-discovery, winding up with the big bass of ‘FIGHT (1,2,3)’, which carves its own progressive path. But don’t tap out before the secret track—an unmistakable homage to the 90s album experience. ‘ORPHANS’ doesn’t just reject genre; it demands to be heard as a whole. Lay back, stare at the stars, and listen. 

With ‘ORPHANS’, Gray continues his fearless experimentation, fusing folk, psychedelia, and modern alternative rock, all tied together by themes of redemption, self-discovery, and personal growth. Fans can expect an immersive experience that blurs genre boundaries while maintaining the raw poetic grit that defines Gray’s sound. 

"This group of songs is about letting go, in many ways," says Gray. "I could fumble forever trying to capture perfection, in music and within my own world. I need practice sometimes, accepting and moving ahead. Each song is another story, another sound discovered, another piece of the puzzle.” 

Gray’s music carries echoes of Nick Cave’s brooding intensity, Beck’s genre-defying ingenuity, and Father John Misty’s evocative lyricism. His signature storytelling is complemented by hypnotic rhythms and immersive sonic textures, inviting listeners into a world that is equal parts haunting and electrifying. 

A seasoned performer with a dynamic background—from commanding audiences as the lead in the infamous Dracula’s Cabaret to igniting festival stages worldwide as a member of Kallidad—Gray’s solo shows are a whirlwind of absurdist humour, poignant storytelling, and unexpected theatricality. This year, alongside launching ORPHANS, he joins the Infamous Circus for a run at Adelaide Fringe 2025 from March 18. 

Gray’s 2025 release strategy remains as unorthodox as his music: new songs will drop the first Sunday of every month, interspersed with EPs and LPs featuring unreleased gems from his vault. Each release expands his sonic universe, offering fans a steady stream of innovative and thought-provoking music. 

Join the journey with Tomi Gray and experience an album that is bold, captivating, and undeniably unforgettable. ‘ORPHANS’ is available now on all streaming platforms.