The Heavy Eyes Review

From Memphis, Tennessee, The Heavy Eyes present their self-titled debut album of psychedelic blues, a genre being re-lit in the south. Featuring Tripp Shumake as the vocalist and guitarist, Wally Anderson on the bass and Eric Garcia as the band’s drummer. The Heavy Eyes portray an album that has been influenced by artists such as Led Zeppelin, Cream and Black Sabbath, offering a modern take on old school rock and heavy blues.

The first track, “5%,” gives an opening riff that flows through out the record, giving the album a consistent rhythm of terrific guitar scales and built-up drum rolls. The band create great ambiance in surrounding their music that gives an honest recording; as if the listener is in the room with the band jamming out. The distinction of each instrument brilliantly melts together with the sounds of grungy distortion and head nodding melody. Shumake’s vocals color the music with bluesy lyrics while emphasizing the loudness of his guitar, and still maintaining elegance in his harmonics. For a three piece, The Heavy Eyes have no difficulty in enlarging the scale of their sound, capturing a familiar era that has thought to be forgotten back in the 70s.

Tracks such as “Iron Giants” and “Voytek” will undoubtedly get the listener to tap their hands and feet, maybe almost have them dancing depending on their state of mind, but will assure to offer the listener a committed piece of high spirited music.

Overall, it is clear to see that the band has unquestionable talent and a high eagerness to daringly deliver something that is rare to listen to these days. Their passion for psychedelic blues clearly reflects off the music, and if you have a shared interest for the genre, listening to The Heavy Eyes will put you in the mood of feeling cool and fearless with the confidence of relating to the music.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Pinwheels
– Iron Giants
– Voytek

The Big Hit

– Voytek

Review by George Podaras