I know Kieran got quite excited about the band’s first EP when that was released, so I was quite keen to hear this album which is their first for Victory Records. The label describes them as for fans of A Day To Remember, Rise Against and Comeback Kid, although I don’t really think they sound that much like any of those bands. There are some pretty meaty riffs, for sure, but they’re not as pop as either of the first two or as hardcore as the latter.
‘We Will Overcome’ is a decent listen. There are some great songs and there are some not so great songs, although the good does outweigh the bad. ‘Friends are Friends Forever’ has a fantastic riff and oodles of energy. The band are at their best when they push the pedal to the floor and make the best use of the gang vocals. ‘Something Needs To Change’ is one of the best songs on the record. It has a big guitar riff and an even bigger vocal performance. Sure, there’s the chug-chug breakdown and the fist-in-the-air chorus but Close Your Eyes are quite honest by the fact they’re not the most original act around. They do what they do pretty well – if you like a lot of the bands on Victory at the minute, you will also enjoy this. Lyrically the band focus on religious themes and there are numerous references to God, which, tell the truth, doesn’t interest me at all. Big thumbs up for the excellent cover art too. Everyone loves a good robot.