Grungy alt-rock with a sense of humour. We hope.
Possibly the best example of why bands should never be allowed to pick their own names, Bristol’s The Band of the Eye hover somewhere between deeply unfashionable grunge and even more deeply unfashionable Britpop. But Contagious Ignorance is a small slice of interesting if imperfect noise unburdened by the pressure of details like ‘having a message’ or ‘trying too hard’.
It was tempting to say “that’s nice” and switch it off before the ironic nod to The Beatles that is ‘Why You Are So Awful’ arrived. There’s something just irresistible about hearing a grunged-up pop song with the chorus “We all worship Satan…” Then the light goes on, and you start seeing through the dodgy lyrics and nineties throwbacks to the more powerful vocal performances and jaunty, twanging riffs. ‘Contagious Ignorance’ itself offers something a bit more powerful, with a bit more promise than the good but straightforward 'Wasting’ or half-spoken ‘Dress Down Day’, although the latter has a good riff. ‘Forgotten Man’s Friend’ is a relatively short and basic anthemic blast sitting somewhere between QUOTSA riffage and Kaiser Chiefs choruses.
The guitar work goes no further than it needs to, sticking to clever riffs and repetitive hooks that consistently drive the album along. A highlight is the ringing ‘Bye’ which suggests another direction for the band when they lighten up a bit. But beyond that the track was a little insipid compared to the bite of their rockier songs, and obviously REM inspired. But there are worse influences to have, and it shows that TbotE can be clever with their lyrics and adaptable with their sound. Even if that sound edges towards being Nirvana or Smashing Pumpkins more often than not. The overall standard is raised by the amazing ‘Beatnik Acoustics’, proving that this is no straight grunge band, but one willing to do a bit of sonic improvisation.
As interesting as this album is, it’s difficult to see it propelling The Band of the Eye into rock stardom at this precise moment in time. It’s compelling and genuinely fun listening, but it’s not got an immediacy that makes it an essential. Their sense of humour with lyrics and song titles might even make them unpopular with radio or television (can you imagine having to announce an album tentatively titled ‘Maximum Fisting’?) However, it does contain masses of potential and for those who like their music quirky and with an edge this is recommended listening. It almost guarantees a cult following.
TbotE is one part rebellion, one part experimentation, and one part tribute act. It’s a shame ‘This Skin I’m In’ was considered “unsuitable for airplay” as it has one of the most epic vibes on the record. ‘King of the Dead’ is an inspired choice to end on, slowing the pace but not the attitude. This is a strong contender for the most original album of the year.