Even As We Speak – Blue Eyes Deceiving Me – Single
Even As Speak is a band birthed at a time in which alternative or indie music was simply that. There weren’t as many subdivisions and genre names like my dreaded “shoegaze” label. I do use labels but realize they are just that, the music is always first. Music was just released and if it wasn’t mainstream it was indie. Hailing from Australia , Even As We Speak , were in a class that focused on guitar driven pop. Here is a look back at a fine indie pop band’s single in celebration of their new 2020 material.
Check it out here https://evenaswespeak.bandcamp.com/album/adelphi
Superbly written reviews take time to produce so we’ll prime you with this piece from circa 1992.
This single is long out of print in it’s original vinyl and CD form This is a nostalgic blurb about it. Meatsheet Fanzine will also discuss their latest record Adelphi very soon.
Inside of Cd single
I came to know this band from the now defunct Sarah record label in the U.K. My friend Alex is a fan of many genres of music. He turned me onto some C86 style stuff. Also Sarah Records. The 45’s include inlays that one assembles into a bigger image if you collect multiples. Very similar to Topps trading cards. Let’s not forget the Monopoly like game called Sarahopoly (I do not own, oh well)
If you like some of those bands (Even As We Speak and cohorts) by all means reach out on this blog.
Sadly, at this time I can only count on both hands the number of people who are Sarah Records privy and they are spread out across USA and world. I think that will change. As music continues to be made there are bands like Even As We Speak who were polished and honed in the 90’s. After many years when bands like Even As We speak return to cut new material it’s usually inspiring. Such is the case with Adelphi. I will let my trusted associate Bernard review that LP in depth. My take on Adelphi
Another gleaming example of a band who makes new material after a hiatus and comes back as if no time has elapsed.
Bright and powerful. The material is just as good if not better. The youthful spirit is there but the musical maturity of arrangement and accents on all tracks and composition takes the lead. Experience can make a big difference.
One day while perusing the CD section at Fords , NJ’s very own record shop Vintage Vinyl I found this CD single. The Sarah 7″, 10″ and 12 ” releases were beginning to be somewhat scarce so if I saw anything I would buy and deal with if I liked it later. Blue Eyes Deceiving Me.
There are plenty of great indie pop bands from this era. From the out of print Sarah label back in early 1990’s until now. However this Even As We Speak single is stunning.
First track “(All You Find Is) Air” hits so hard for a soft, mellow jazzy song. If the other bands at the time were sophomores this is Junior Advanced Placement level indie pop. Jazzy horns, hooks, and a slight dreary growl of a wahhed out guitar. Well placed samples.
“Getting Faster” is a faster driven romp through the jangle fields with some hard edged riffs. Could even be a nod to how the Beatles start the song Revolution. Even as We Speak may step up the intensity on this one but they will not abandon their love for melodious pop.
Last song on this brilliant EP is the title track. The intensity lessens but the harmoniousness doesn’t. Particular point of interest is the rhythm section. The drummer plays in the pocket and the bass line is a classic indie pop cadence.
“Blue Eyes Deceiving Me” is a gem from a band who laid the groundwork for future indie pop bands to flourish. Fans of their contemporary bands like Frente! and Cranberries take note. If you haven’t checked Even As We Speak out, 2020 is the best time if any.
Even As We Speak and their contemporary bands are and were tuned into similar frequencies.
I am very excited to know they made a new LP and if things look up, I’d be overjoyed to see them live. Thank you for the music friends, it doesn’t go unnoticed It is a pleasant surprise to find a new release in the height of these troubled times. Until then stay tuned for more music in this style covered on this blog. If this resonates share and support your artists like this.