How does one blend upbeat pop arrangements with incredibly sad sounding vocals? Harvey Eyeballs, a band of Brooklyn weirdos surrounding the title frontman, addresses the question in their new release "Whole ‘Nuther Record" (premiering below). If taken at face value, with their cool saxophone fills and backing vocal pleasantries, the songs swerve and bop in ways reminiscent of 60’s and 70’s feel-good vibes. But because of Harvey’s lyrical dejection and tonal peculiarities, as in opener “I Wanna Love You” and “Gindrunk,” the band’s sound becomes something new entirely. It’s a little like an Elvis Costello on acid, conflicted over leaving the altered state for a less cool reality. Even on slowed-down tracks, like “The Garvin Song,” and heavy-hitting closer “Streetbone,” a pained uncertainty can be detected in Harvey’s voice, creating a wholly new weight to the sound. While playful bells, wild saxophones, or a fun, almost waltzy rhythm section dance along melodically, the entire mood is warped by Eyeballs’ tormented soul searching. The band celebrates the release of Whole Nuther Record 10/8 at The Living Room, and you can expect a certain degree of madness. –JP Basileo
