Gary Lazer Eyes - Black and White

​Gary Lazer Eyes

​Black and White
self-released; 2015

3.5 out of 5

By Jamie Funk
​

Austin Young (Guitar/Vocals) Sean Gray (Guitar/Vocals)Stephen Gillen (Bass) Michael Otero- (Drums) are Gary Lazer Eyes. The four-piece band formed in 2014 and hail from Melbourne, Florida. Their recent release Black and White is a four song EP.

Black and White is an EP that is straight up fun to listen to. It’s a good time and certifiably music you want to listen to in a live environment. Unfortunately, Gary Lazer Eyes can’t fit in your back pocket and you can’t force them to play live on a whim. Luckily, these days most people have smartphones that play music or speakers in their apartment they can utilize. Turn this album up and thanks to the impressive recording quality and production you get the next best thing.

Musically, the band seamlessly blends genres like ska, reggae, rock, alternative and even a sliver of blues. They get going with the title track which slowly starts to pull you in. The bass line is strong with this one but it doesn’t take too long for the rest of the band to join in. Upward strummed guitar chords give the song a ska/reggae feel as the vocalist delivers an enthusiastic vocal performance. The vocalist give a very dynamic performance where you can practically picture his face contorting to the energy in which he delivers his lines.

Next up is the faster paced ‘Goner”. I think at least a couple of people would be doing that ska style dance you see once in awhile. There is a ton of energy on this track but almost felt like it could have gone on a bit longer.

I’m not sure what was going on with “No God”. It’s noticeably softer than the other songs on the EP. Either way it’s a solid song with an effective breakdown a little after the two minute mark. The band closes with “Lipstick” which has more of a conventional rock feel than the previous songs. Possibly a good song to play after everybody has depleted their energy from the more upbeat song. It was an appropriate closer after the rush of dopamine.

Black and White and is solid EP which establishes the band sound. If they are going to release a full length they will want to most likely learn a couple more tricks to keep the audience engaged. I have a feeling they are already working on it. I hope to hear more soon. ​

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