SINGLE REVIEW: Eel Men - Sore Eyes
Eel Men's 'Sore Eyes', the final single from "Stop It! Do Something," is a carefully crafted nostalgia trip that feels both familiar and refreshingly diverse. It opens with a whimsical, atmospheric guitar intro, immediately setting the stage for a journey into melodic, jangly guitars that resonate with a distinct C86 vibe. This lo-fi, raw, and unpolished sound captures the authentic spirit of indie music's golden era.
The song's strength lies in its simplicity. Catchy hooks and a straightforward song structure allow the vocals to take centre stage. Gentle, modest, and emotionally sincere, the delivery is rugged without resorting to aggressive or overly dramatic theatrics. It's heartfelt indie-pop with an approachable, warm, and gently melancholic character, evoking a sense of comfortable familiarity. But Eel Men aren't content to simply rehash the past. They've woven in elements of post-rock, with moody atmospheric textures, and the rebellious spirit of punk, adding a gritty edge. There's even a nod to twee pop, with its childlike charm, and a hint of 80s pop sensibilities.
This eclectic mix results in a delicious 'genre soup', where each element complements the others. 'Sore Eyes' seamlessly oscillates between the whimsicalities of C86 and twee pop, radiating with heartfelt honesty, to the grittier punk moments and the moodier textures of post-rock, all anchored by a playful, catchy pop core.
Undeniably nostalgic, 'Sore Eyes' plants its feet firmly in the past, offering a heartfelt tribute to the glory days of indie. While it might not resonate with a younger generation of music fans, for those of us on the wrong side of 40, it's a perfect opportunity to relive those cherished memories. It's a reminder of the raw, unpretentious charm that made us fall in love with indie music in the first place, and a testament to Eel Men's ability to capture that essence with both sincerity and skill.
