Close Your Eyes – “We Will Overcome”

It’s sometimes difficult to tell when a band has the “it” factor. And often, even if they do seem to have “it”, it’s impossible to actually pinpoint what makes them great. This is undoubtedly the case with Close Your Eyes, a Texan hardcore band who recently signed to Victory Records.

The powerful thrashing guitars that are so familiar to hardcore music are ever present, but Shane Raymond’s guttural vocal seems to sprout punk-angel wings in order to soar above the mix. Naturally, this does seem like something of an exaggeration, but in a market that that is over-saturated with bands who mostly use the place of a lead vocal to growl and bark their way through songs, it is truly refreshing to hear Raymond’s heartfelt voice spitting out the melody.

“Song For The Broken” states “this is our offering… this is what we believe in,” leading to a huge anthemic chorus that is sure to capture the hearts of disenchanted teenagers everywhere. As with many of Victory Records’ other acts, Close Your Eyes will indubitably appeal mostly to the teenage crowd, but there is an element of maturity present in their musicianship that could easily attract listeners from any generation.

Another highlight of the record is “Wake Up!” The slow anthem-like introduction acts something like the spoonful of sugar to help the medicine go down, as the song becomes a raw expression of power, angst, and a sense of uplifting positivity. We Will Overcome is a record that captures the band’s energy in a way that is almost exhausting to listen to; the songs are quick and spirited, with just the right amount of aggression. Of course, there’s nothing particularly revolutionary here, but that doesn’t stop them being any less great; Close Your Eyes are a pretty perfect version of what they are.  [ END ]

Track Listing:

01. A Proclamation
02. Friends Are Friends Forever
03. xChet Steadmanx
04. Digging Graves
05. The Body
06. Song For The Broken
07. 17:20
08. Wake Up!
09. Bitter Path
10. Something Needs To Change
11. Arms Raised

Run Time: 39:52
Release Date: 02.16.2010