The steady climb that New York’s Big Eyes (Jan. 30, St. Matthew’s) has been on in recent years has been notable enough to draw regular notice beyond the young punk circuit, and it’s all on the wings of Kait Eldridge’s fundamental aesthetic. By keeping the scope simple, she and her band leave no room for excess in their power-popping rock & roll. She only focuses on what matters most to her and nailing it. Sonically, that’s classic ‘70s rock and punk with brawny hooks. Emotionally, it’s big, guileless heart worn on a sleeve of denim and leather. The gestalt is a model of economy, scrap and spark that’s made them one of the more exceptional rock bands in the punk underground right now.
Though the going was pretty rough for them at first (and a little at the end), there is definitely something there in St. Pete band Empty Walls. Self-described as “crustpop” – a term I wish I coined my own damn self because it nutshells them perfectly – they take a ‘90s Chapel Hill brand of noisy melody and blast it to exhilarating punk levels and pump it with politics. With a little time and practice, this group could be a force of sonics and message.
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This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene.
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This article appears in Jan 27 – Feb 2, 2016.
