8-EYES
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Music
Press
My favorite track is "Wishing Well". Made distinctive by a shifting melody that jumps from mid-paced acoustic melodrama to a bright, laid-back trumpet, "Wishing Well" has a somber feel and good-day feeling. Sometimes-taking into consideration Newell's occasionly deep Lou Reedesque vocals and the band's avany garde arrangements- I think back to the Velvet Underground when listening to 8-EYES.
--Fringe - Fringe
8-EYES is one of the most creative ensembles of emerge from the Greensboro music scene; and with their excellent songs and outstanding performances they are destined to achieve greater sucess.
--Focus - Focus
It took a few plays, but I really wound up liking this. 8-EYES (I count just six) are a folk-rock trio featuring mostly acoustic Guitar/mandolin, stand-up bass, and percussion. The songs by guitarist Brad Newell are upbeat yet introspective, in the style of Revolver-era Lennon, as well as any number of lesser folkies... his mastery of the variuos string instruments is a constant joy, along with the tasteful, empathetic accompaniment of bass and skins. The best songs fell slightly derivative while putting Newell's tricky melodic spins into play. "My World" is the anthemic hit single; "Wife of the Magician" has a gorgeous celtic structure with a fun whistle-along chorus;"Innocent and Wild" owes a debt to "Mr. Bojangles" with it's sprightly mandolin motif; "Bumpin' On Sunset" dares to combine Japanese sushi bar riffs with a folk-country frame. I got a nice feeling here, and I wish these guys well.
--Option Magazine - Option Magazine
Discography
Eight Eyes 1989 (Noot)
Jewel 1990 (Noot)
Dust 2002 (Neon Pie)
Postmodern Boogie 2004 (Neon Pie)
Photos
Bio
8-Eyes is a band from the Chapel Hill - Durham area of NC. 8 Eyes blends the sounds of electric and exotic stringed instruments with a solid foundation of pop songwriting. Their unique musical approach sets them apart from other groups on the "alternative" scene. Incarnations of the band have been trekking up and down the east coast since 1994. 8 Eyes has over 50 original tunes in the repertoire as well as many covers and can play virtually any event. They have played shows in places ranging from coffee houses to huge rock clubs and such landmarks as CBGB's. They have supported such diverse acts as Melissa Etheridge, Burning Spear, and folk icon Donovan. The three members are: Brad Newell (guitar, vocals, autoharp, mandolin, banjo and violin) is the primary songsmith and has several CD's to his credit. Adrian Foltz (drums, vocals) draws from his years of experience when holding down the steady beats and newest member Daniel Habib (bass, vocals) fills out the trio. They are constantly recording and playing out, so we can look for new releases from 8 Eyes on an ongoing basis.
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