DEAD EYES OPENED
Tyrants
Dead Eyes Opened is an Edinburgh-based trio (plus The Mothership drum machine) which writes songs that no one else does. Whatever is needed to make their music work is blended: goth, synth-pop, rock, electro, metal... This unpredictable approach provides the scottish a very own identity. Although what makes them recognizable among hundreds is the presumptively non-viable symbiosis between the songwriters influences. Spooks' unmistakable vocals are firmly rooted in the 80s and the New Wave, whilst Dunsy's excellent guitar work is heavily influenced by rock and metal. These distintive flavors are combined into the DEO's mixer resulting a sophisticated cocktail which appeals to a wide range of people in the underground scene. Anyway this atypical blending tends to be dark specially supported by Gash's assertive bass lines, distorted riffs and a rich variety of gloomy arpeggios. In contrast, Spooks' chrystalline and expressive voice shines through on the tracks smoothing the things over the minimum necessary.
After their acclaimed debut EP, "Believe", Dead Eyes Opened has return in February with their first long-length album, "Tyrants", which is as a statement of intent that shows off their motto. The band keeps out of trends and remains faithful to their principles. They've created a brilliant repertoire which brings together each member's inspirations. Therefore you will find a plenty of sounds in this surprising album. Melancholic string soundscapes which get under your skin as a memory ("Beautiful and Brave", "Sentimental"), passages of emotional burden ("Believe"), reminiscences from the early guitar-oriented goth precursors ("Tyrants", "Colours"), catchy radio-hit rock structures ("Who Died To Make You King?"), memories from the 80's synth and guitar sounds ("Tuan's Day", "My Sanity") or hybrids of industrial programming and metal riffs to burn the dancefloor ("MV", "Submission"). Ten hymn-like tracks which mark the Dead Eyes Opened unique style. As if that weren't enough, "Tyrants" has been brilliantly produced and mixed by themselves in collaboration with the talented musician Stephen Carey (The Eden House, NFD, Adoration).
This enjoyable fusion will go directly into your ear and right after a shiver will run comfortably on your back while your toes tapping irrepressibly. "Tyrants" is a musical slap in the goth classifiers face. A collection of irreverent, refined and expressive sounds which are 100% Dead Eyes Opened.
Review by Billyphobia
- 01. Tuan's Day
- 02. My Sanity
- 03. MV
- 04. Sentimental
- 05. Believe
- 06. Beautiful And Brave
- 07. Colours
- 08. Who Died To Make You King?
- 09. Tyrants
- 10. Submission