Early Eyes "Look Alive!"
Review by: Sara Liebl, Writer @larasiebl
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, Owner/Editor @PlaylistTC
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Popular local band, Early Eyes, is a prime example of a Twin Cities’ music scene success story. They have garnered an impressive following since their conception, amassing over 200,000 monthly listeners on Spotify and over 11,000 Instagram followers at this time. They have also participated in numerous tours, including opening for well known pop rock band, Hellogoodbye. The artists responsible for creating Look Alive! are Jake Berglove (keys and vocals), Joe Villano (guitar and vocals), and John O’brien (guitar). Since recording the album, the band has welcomed two new members, Megan Mahoney (bass) and Sam Mathys (drums), who are sure to be great additions to the group. Early Eyes was supported by a number of artists and producers in the creation of Look Alive! including Jake Luppen of another very popular Twin Cities band, Hippo Campus.
Early Eyes has a well established resume, previously releasing five EPs and now their debut full length, Look Alive!, since 2017. This consistent stream of releasing quality content has undoubtedly benefited the band in gaining their large following, as each of their releases shows the growth and evolution of the band’s sound, leaving their fans wanting to follow them on their musical journey. Their early music fits perfectly into the indie pop genre, matching the vibes and quality of well-known bands at the height of the indie craze of the 2010s. Naturally, their sound has been shaped and evolved over the years, adding more electronic elements and taking risks by including aspects that push the boundaries of indie pop, such as experimenting with horn lines, something we are seeing becoming popular in indie music in Minneapolis and St. Paul. All of these aspects culminated in the release of Look Alive!, a top tier, and unique, indie pop record that easily rivals what we hear on the radio today.
During the pandemic, the members of Early Eyes decided now was the time to play around with their sound, throwing caution into the wind and just diving right in and following whatever inspiration came to them. Their evolution toward their new sound was both a natural progression and deliberate decision to “Try and take a risk with this one because time is fleeting, and during that period of our lives we were like ‘We only have so much time essentially to make the music we want to make so let’s go for it’” - Jake Berglove.
Look Alive! centers around the theme of the complexity of relationships. However, Early Eyes has taken a less traditional approach to an album about love by choosing to focus on the importance - and trials - of platonic love. The album sticks very closely to the narrative of navigating the complications of a friendship, especially when one or both parties may be struggling with mental illness. The themes of lost friendships, reconnection, and working towards a healthier relationship are all explored, resulting in the album containing positive lyrics such as “You’re something/You’ve got me buzzing from head to toe.” in “Chemicals,” as well as more emotional or melancholy lyrics, including “I want to sway in the sky until we fade.” in “Catch You.”
“Rocket” is one of the more emotionally charged songs on Look Alive! “Rocket” musically supports the lyrics by switching feels between the verses and choruses - with the verses emulating slower synth pop and transitioning into an upbeat quintessential indie pop feel for the choruses. Early Eyes took a bit of a risk on the production side with this song, choosing to use heavy vocal effects and autotune throughout the track. While autotune may turn some listeners off, Early Eyes successfully pulls it off in a tasteful manner that adds another exciting layer to the song. “Rocket” also features my favorite vocal harmonies on the album in the bridge. The band stacks ascending two note vocal lines until arriving at an impeccable three part harmony.
The final track of the album, and my personal favorite, “Trust Fall” wraps up the album neatly, leaving the listeners with a powerful song about the struggles of depression, aptly described as “Forever falling backwards,” and allowing yourself to trust that the people in your life will be there to support you when you need a little lift. “Trust Fall” is a poignant song, opening with the sounds of whistling winds and a haunting piano melody, reminiscent of Danny Elfman’s work in Tim Burton film scores. “Trust Fall” forgoes the glitz and glamor of the indie and synth pop genres, focusing the attention on the piano line and vocals. After the first verse, additional instruments are incorporated into the song, utilizing minimalistic lines that add a sense of fullness and drive to the song without distracting the listener from the well crafted lyrics about the vulnerable experience that is opening up to people you care about, working on self-improvement in therapy, and “Trusting that you will catch me.”
Look Alive! just might be one of the most well rounded and well produced albums we will hear from a local Minnesota band in 2022. With its overarching theme of the complexity of human relationships and love, impeccably crafted arrangements, and high production value, Look Alive! will certainly be in my constant rotation this summer.
Production Value - 10/10
Second Favorite Song - Dying Plant
Best Fact I Learned In Our Interview - Halloween ‘18 is actually about a Halloween party in 2017. Tricky tricky.
Watch Sara Liebl’s full interview with Early Eyes on our Patreon.
