Recession
The term Recession has been the buzzword for doom merchants, better known as ITV News, for the past year. No matter where you go, or whom you talk to, the word inevitably pops up. For Eyelash to then adopt the word for the title of their debut album is either ill-judged or pure attention grabbing genius. That the four-piece have extensively toured before releasing it probably signifies the latter. Whatever the reasons behind the moniker, there is little depressing about the band’s actual output.
Frantic opener 'What Is It You Need' sets the bands intentions; gutsy riffs with lead singer Fe Salomon ramming the songs title as a chorus right down your throat. The same tactic is repeated for 'Blood On My Blue Jeans' before being repeatedly asked “Why do you taunt me like that” during 'Bow To The People' which quickly becomes the equivalent of being slapped about in the face whilst tied to a chair. By this point you begin to wonder when the respite is coming. There is the expectancy that two-guy, two-girl bands tend to compromise themselves, providing the sort of tedious material that neither says, nor sounds like, anything new. Thankfully Eyelash shatter that notion, with the confident 'Put Your Faith In Me', (faith as well as numerous other things it seems). Whilst dispelling such notions, the tone now seems suitably sexually charged judging by 'Still Up and You Respond'.
The girls are certainly in charge, as the incendiary 'What Did You Used To Do Before Me' and rueful 'Love Dies'. Similar subject matter could be treated with practically weeping men over an acoustic guitar yet this sounds more deliberate, more valiant. By 'Overkill', the now trademark sleaze rock has become just as the song title, so much so it’s just a matter of what chord changes to listen out for. That the band has toured sporadically over the past 18 months should come as no surprise considering how tight they sound. Regret seems to have had its fill as far as themes go so it comes as a relief when 'Good Times' arrives, with its almost effervescent piano melodies interwoven into the aforementioned well-worn guitar parts.
With some musical diversity finally involved, closer 'Sleeping Alone' see’s the bands take on subtle and gives the listener a chance to fully appreciate the girls vocal abilities. However raw the rest of the album may sound, this is a more than laudable climax. Recession? Not quite. Eyelash are on the up.