early eyes — MUSIC — Unclear Magazine

by shelly decaigny

We can all use a musical escape right now, and the Minneapolis indie-pop band Early Eyes has delivered. They took a free-spirited approach while creating their latest project, Sunbathing EP. This EP offers listeners a feel-good and mellow vibe. While life has been a lot more tense in recent months, Sunbathing is sort of a retreat to the more carefree pre-pandemic days.

The EP begins with the new single “Wander,” a track that provides a means for lifting the weight of the world and looking forward to more lighthearted days. It sets the stage for the listening experience to come.

Though the heaviness of life can sometimes cloud out optimism, music has a way of bringing positivity and hope back into view. The song “Clarity” helps to do just that. Throughout Minneapolis, and across the country, we have witnessed a revolution. Though we have a lot of work left to do, we can now see hope for a brighter future. The feeling of hope is certainly present in this song.

Listen to Sunbathing on Spotify. Early Eyes · Single · 2020 · 5 songs.

The next track, “Better at Home,” is also relevant to the times we are living in. The lyrics really resonate with me. This song offers a representation of finding the balance between being grateful for all that we have and feeling discouraged by the way things are.

“Marigolds” is upbeat and refreshing. The song is a reminder of how we can miss what is right in front of us when we get too caught up in the insignificant. Feeling uncomfortable in our own skin can distract us from seeing the people and the world around us. It is an interestingly positive approach to self-reflection.

“Sunbathing,” the title track, is reminiscent of a street dance on a warm Minnesota summer day – a cold drink in your hand and a soft blowing breeze. It is the perfect ending to this delightfully thoughtful EP.

BY DEMI MARSHALL

Indie-pop band Early Eyes engages listeners with their new single “Marigolds.” Originally formed on a college campus as a hobby, Early Eyes has rooted themselves in the Minnesota music scene, and consists of Jake Berglove (vocals/guitar), Joe Villano (guitar), John O’Brien (guitar), Des Lawrence (bass), and Wyatt Fuller (drums).

Named one of the Best New Bands 2017 by local venue First Avenue, and nominated Best New Band 2018 by Minneapolis City Pages, the band is certainly blooming. “Marigolds” provides a perfect balance of catchy lyrics and effortless build, indulging listeners in a glowing, serene single.

Opening with soft vocals and piano, I instantly got a homegrown feel from this song. It felt like being in the room with someone showing you a song they wrote, both homey and refreshing. Early on, the song breaks through with rhythmic claps, guitar, horns, and a bright, upbeat tone. All of these different instruments and background vocals give a lot of depth and texture to the song, so it never feels flat.

About midway through the song, there is a brief focus on a drum beat that gives a crisp sound and variation to the rhythm. What I like about this song is the small moments like this that maintain an interesting and varying sound. Even though the chorus is short and simple, the song doesn’t feel repetitive because of the little hints of fresh sounds throughout. The vocals are soft, sweetly guiding you through the lyrics, almost like telling a story. This allows listeners to feel more individually connected to the song.

“Marigolds” is the perfect song to welcome springtime. It is sure to brighten your mood and allow for a few minutes of blissful relaxation. Be sure to check out this new single, as well as the rest of Early Eyes’ music.