Eye Flys : Eye Flys
Philadelphia’s Eye Flys are known for their powerful blend of sludge, hardcore and noise rock. Formed by members of well-established acts such as Full of Hell, Backslider and Triac, the group brings together a wealth of experience and diverse influences to create a unique and compelling musical experience. And on their self-titled second album, that experience is uncompromising, dissonant and ominous.
Eye Flys’ newest set of songs is on the shorter end, clocking in at under half an hour, which benefits this kind of sound, leaving its mark before it has the opportunity to grow stale. The effort showcases the group’s musical prowess and creativity, offering listeners a compelling blend of raw energy and interesting compositions. Every song on the album is distinctive within their focused approach; sometimes it’s the guitar work which hits the hardest, as on songs like “What’s That Behind Your Ear?”, or sometimes it’s the heavy and slow instrumental sections such as on “Draining Pus.”
The main strength of the album is its pacing. Each song perfectly flows into the next one, balancing the right ratio of slow and menacing to more accessible songs with impeccable sequencing, giving it a strong sense of momentum to carry it along. Yet the album escalates from good to great on moments like “Feeding Regression,” which brings about a shift from mostly slower and more ominous chugging guitar work to something more resembling a sinister groove, with memorable guitar melodies to go with it.
A good portion of Eye Flys’ sophomore album is composed of strong guitar riffs and drumwork, but Jake Smith’s singing mostly remains within a narrow range. Smith’s singing isn’t necessarily bad, but a little more variety would only enhance the experience—menacing vocal growls are great, and I love them when they are done right, but it’d serve the music better to hear him stretch himself a bit on future releases.
While this album is an excellent step forward, it also serves as a stepping stone for the band’s continued development. It’s a testament to their growth as musicians and songwriters, setting the stage for further innovation and experimentation within and perhaps beyond their nauseous palette.
Label: Thrill Jockey
Year: 2024
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Eye Flys : Eye Flys
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