Denmark’s twisted hardcore mongers EYES (introduced on IDIOTEQ 2 years ago) released their debut album, Underperformer, in September, scorching everything in earshot with their unique fusion of punk and metallic hardcore, leaving no confronted soul unstirred through their fantastically entertaining music videos. As every other band on planet earth, they have not been able to tour due to the ongoing pandemic, but now there’s some action available for the hungry hardcore hordes out there.
Together with Vincent B. G. Kosmol, EYES filmed three Underperformer songs live in their rehearsal space in Copenhagen, which happens to share space with Angry Music Studios, run by producer Tobias Munk Tønder, who has produced the band’s output so far, including the new sessions. Mathcore Index will host and premiere the three session clips, beginning with “Voiceswhispersecretsandspeakonlytruths.”
EYES‘ vocalist Victor Kaas offers, “We were hesitant to do a live session – everyone and their mother does one these days (for obvious reasons). In the end we decided to do one, since it’s the only way we can showcase our live sound outside of Denmark at the moment. We hope to tour as soon as possible, when it’s deemed safe again, but for now, we hope you’ll enjoy this three-parter as a substitute.”
The clip allows you to experience the live intensity of EYES, if not firsthand, then through the screen, where one senses the spit, the sweat and all the other filthy particles, we’re not supposed to near. But this does not stand alone, as the band has actual, though pandemic regulated Danish shows coming up in October and November. In addition, the band has just been confirmed for Denmark’s big metal festival Copenhell in June and Prime Fest the same month and city.
Underperformer was produced by Tobias Munk Tønder (Église, Drukner), mastered by Jacob Bredahl (Lifesick, I Am Bones) who also contributes guest vocals on the record, and completed with notable artwork by Jon Gotlev/No Heroes.
Underperformer is out now on vinyl and cassette through the Indisciplinarian webshop HERE and through all digital providers including Bandcamp HERE.
Also see the previously-issued official videos for “Distance” HERE and “Underperformer”
EYES Live:
10/31/2020 Forbrændingen – Albertslund, DK w/ Hexis, LLNN, Clients
11/13/2020 Sønderborghus – Sønderborg, DK w/ Orm
11/27/2020 Pumpehuset – Copenhagen, DK w/ Tvivler, Praytell
1/14/2021 Sorte Firlkant Musikfestival – Copenhagen, DK
6/16-19/2021 Copenhell – Copenhagen, DK
6/25-26/2021 Prime Fest – Copenhagen, DK
EYES is made up by five young veterans from the Danish metal and hardcore scene, and Underperformer reflects a combo, that does not worry one bit about what fans, scene or people in general might think. One senses an artistic kinship with bands such as Daughters, Pissed Jeans and Converge; all bands who started out with a particular sound and have changed and developed their musical vision significantly; something EYES aims for as well – and succeeds in.
Underperformer’s ten songs showcase a unique talent for injecting new life into hardcore with a disregardful (mis)use of the genres many strains and traits through a focused, original songwriting. In its essence, Underperformer is a narrative about becoming an adult and having a hard time adjusting to the role it implies. About feeling discontent with oneself and where one is in life; feeling like you’re always busy and have your hands full, but never actually accomplishing anything.
