The Blind Eyes "In The Studio" RFT Feature

Inside scoop on the new album... The Blind Eyes "In the Studio" RFT story is up! Go check it out!

The First Hot Rock Show Of 2010

Thanks to everyone who came out and braved the slush to pack Off Broadway for our first show of 2010! It was a great show to start out what is going to be a big year for the band. Thanks also to the other bands, both of whom brought the thunder. It was non-stop fun. Hopefully no one got stranded outside. If you did, you should come see us on February 27th at the Firebird!

Check out more photos of the event here!

Recording

This is what happens at Firebrand Recording around 1 am after about 48 hours of working on a new album. More pics coming soon!

Recording Starts Tonight

We're starting work tonight on our sophomore album, and it will continue on through the whole of the weekend and likely into parts of February before it's all finished.

Tomorrow we really begin the arduous process of trying to record thirteen brand new songs in about two days. It should be fun. We'll be keeping you all up to date via our band Twitter and on here as well. If all goes according to plan, look for it to come out sometime this summer!

New Digs

The Blind Eyes HQ has moved! Yes; after many years, we have traded the cozy, cold, stone-walled confines of the rock dungeon for a new, admittedly less cold, less stone practice pad. Let's take a quick tour, shall we?


So here we have the old dungeon, pre-move. This room, in which we wrote 99% of our material to date, is about the size of a walk-in closet, and located under a front porch. On particularly cold days, you could see your breath as you played! Good times.


















Next, we see a nice, arty shot of one of our original song lists in the dumpster following a semi-thorough dungeon cleansing. "Never Gonna Do It Again"? What's that? Also, we fully expect some sort of award for this photo.


















Finally; we have a shot of our new, clean, warm practice pad! It has electrical outlets and everything. And check out Matt's sweet plywood Apollo drum kit! If you were at the first ever Blind Eyes show, you might have seen this set in action. Trivia fact: it was used to get that huge, awesome sound on "The High Life". Ever wonder how we can manage such an mind-blowing tone? That's the secret: plywood.

Video Action

The kids up in St. Louis who call themselves The Blind Eyes rock. Now, I won't go on and on pretending I know how to review music. All I know is they are good.

Just Announced- Feb 5th @ Off Broadway

The Blind Eyes will be kicking off the new year (albeit a couple of months late) in style with a FREE (yes- totally free) show at Off Broadway with Jon Hardy & the Public! Opening the show will be the inimitable Jon Bonham and Friends. I'm sorry to say that we have no one named Jon in our band, so the middle part of the show will be totally Jon-free. We will be the meat in what will undoubtedly be a delicious Jon sandwich. But enough of that. Be there!

Oh yeah, this show is also sponsored by PBR, so, you know, drink it when you get there.

Friday February 5
Door: 8:30pm Show:9pm
FREE SHOW!
21 & Over Only
Sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon

2010

Woo! It’s a new year. It's also very, very cold outside. Hope you all made it through safe and sound.

2010 is shaping up to be a big year for the Blind Eyes. We have lots of awesome stuff in store. First off, as you probably know (or maybe you don't) we’re going to be heading back in to the studio at the end of January to start recording our sophomore album. It’s shaping up to be amazing. We’ve spent the last month or so writing a few last minute add-on songs, putting on the finishing touches, and getting ready to record. If we can keep Seth from getting off on too many Randy Newman-related tangents, the recording should go off without a hitch. We’ll also be doing live updates from the studio here and on our Twitter page, so stay tuned for all that good stuff.

Speaking of albums, we want to say thanks for all the accolades our debut album, Modernity, received over the last month or so! Not only was it named one of the top 10 local albums of the year by the Riverfront Times, it also made the top ten lists for not one- not two- but three KDHX radio shows (Afternoon Delight, Uncontrollable Urge, and Pop! The Beat Bubble Burst, respectively), earning it a hallowed position of #5 in the Top Local Spins of 2009 and #35 in overall Top Spins of 2009- along with several other personal lists posted online. We really do appreciate it and hope you like the next one as much as you liked Modernity. And don’t forget, you can pick up your very own copy of the record online at iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and more (see sidebar). Or, buy it at your local record store- if you live in St. Louis, that is. And, you can always get it from us at shows, which of course is the method we all prefer.

While 2010 is still taking shape; we do have a couple of concrete things lined up. First off, we’ll be playing on Saturday, February 27th at the Firebird with our pals Elsinore. This is the release show for their “Chemicals” EP, so needless to say we’re super excited to be on the bill.

We will also be doing a live set and interview on KDHX on March 11th for the 2010 Space Parlour live series! Barring anything catastrophic happening, or just the off-chance that we might totally suck, one or two of the songs from this set will appear on the Space Parlour Live CD compilation that comes out every year. So, you should definitely tune in to that.

That’s it for now. Stay glued to this page and all those other outlets of Blind Eyes-related information for more as it happens!

Love ya
tBE

New Pictures Posted Online

We just posted a bunch of pictures from our upper midwest jaunt from over the summer! Go check them out... Also, if you haven't had a chance to read the accompanying tour diary Seth wrote for the RFT chronicling the journey, we'd suggest you do that as well.

It's like reading Led Zeppelin's Hammer of the Gods biography, except minus the huge crowds of adoring fans, private plane, abundant drug use, and trips to Bombay to record street music on primitive tape recorders.

RFT Names "Modernity" Top Release Of 2009

Wow! Thanks to the RFT for naming Modernity as one of the top ten local releases of 2009! We are truly honored. Look for the follow-up in 2010!

In addition, you can now download the RFT's Local St. Louis Year-End MP3 Mix Tape, which includes The Blind Eyes' January! Plenty of other amazing bands are included (So Many Dynamos, Helium Tapes, Old Lights, and lots more), and it's FREE, so what're you waiting for?

A Holiday Gift From The Blind Eyes

Hello Friends,

As a token of our appreciation for making 2009 the best year in our band's brief history and in an effort to join Wilson Phillips, Wham!, and Mariah Carey in the canon of Christmas classics, we would like to humbly offer you, as a free download, "Christmas AM Gold" We recorded this song at Firebrand Recording in 2008 and it originally appeared on A Very Bert Dax Christmas Volume 7.

Thanks again for all of your support this year and don't forget that Modernity is available for purchase from Amazon and iTunes. It makes a great gift! (Do mp3s make great gifts? Perhaps not. The cd is available in St. Louis area record stores.) Hope you have a great holiday season and we'll see you in 2010.

The Blind Eyes

On Twitter? Get it here!

New Album Coming In 2010

Well kids, we're done playing shows for the year. The band will be taking the rest of December and most of January off to finish writing the next album. We'll be heading back in to Firebrand Recording (where else?) to record it and are shooting for a (cautiously optimistic) release date of early summer 2010. We'll be back playing shows locally in February and heading back on tour(s) throughout spring and summer. Thanks to everyone for making 2009 the raddest year in history and we look forward to rocking your collective socks off even more next year.

Hearts,
tBE

Some Recent Press Clippings

Here is a great article from Metromix about this Saturday's show at Off Broadway! Check out the post below for more details. Hope to see you there!

Seth gets a mention in the RFT's "In The Studio" feature on the Livers.

This Saturday At Off Broadway

Oh yeah, did we mention we're opening up the Hibernauts record release show this coming Saturday the 21st? Did we mention our good friends Gentleman Auction House are also on the bill? Did we mention that you'd be a fool to miss it?

Firebrand Showcase Recap

A huge thanks is owed to the gigantic crowd that came out and packed Cicero's for the first ever Firebrand Recording Showcase! The whole night was a total blast, the other bands were amazing (thanks also the the Livers, the Humanoids and Kentucky Knife Fight for playing) and everyone had a super fun time.

Here are some pics from the monster supergroup jam at the end of the night. Yes, we were playing "Don't Bring Me Down" by Electric Light Orchestra. What can we say: if you missed it, you missed out. We're doing it again next year so plan accordingly! More pics and video of the event coming soon.

An Open Letter To St. Louis Rock Fanatics

Dear Friends,

In an effort to better serve you, we have compiled a list of important reasons for you to attend Saturday night's Firebrand Recording Showcase at Cicero's.

1. We'll make you feel guilty if you don't come! Firebrand Recording has been an important part of the local music community, working on albums from local favorites including the 75s, Strawfoot, Fattback, Sex Robots, Bootz Orchestra, Cross Examination, and Pat Sajak Assassins in addition to all of the bands on Saturday's bill. They always go above and beyond the call of duty, and Saturday's show is our [the bands] way of saying thanks for all the great work.

2. There will be an amazing top-secret supergroup musical superperformance that will melt your face off! Like, seriously, you should bring a welding mask. We practiced and everything.

3. Sweet Merch Giveawayz! The price of entry and your willingness to write your name on a scrap of paper gives you a chance to win a monster haul of goodies from from Firebrand Recording and the bands who have recorded there.

4. Award winners! Kentucky Knife Fight was the winner of the "Album of the Year" in the RFT Music Awards. The Humanoids were named "Best Punk Band" in the RFT's Best of STL issue. The Blind Eyes were named "Best Pop Band" and Seth Porter voted "Best Male Vocalist" in that same issue. The Livers never win anything but the hearts of anyone with the good fortune to see them play. We may make them a trophy so they don't feel too bad. You won't find a more decorated bill all weekend.

5. If things go well in the next five days, we will be debuting a new song. You should come to this show so when said song reaches #1 on the charts, you can brag about how you were there the first time we ever played it.

6. We were going to make it 10, but we feel like we're losing your attention. Anyway, please come out if you can.

Sincerely,
tBE

2009 FIREBRAND RECORDING SHOWCASE
The Blind Eyes
The Livers
Kentucky Knife Fight
The Humanoids
Cicero's, Saturday November 14
$8 (11 for the youngsters)
16+

Next Saturday At Cicero's!

Check out the poster for next Saturday's Firebrand Recording Showcase! Seeya at the show!

Modernity Now Available On Amazon

The Blind Eyes' debut album Modernity is now available for purchase at Amazon!

Firebrand Recording Showcase Update

Hey all! Just a reminder- the Firebrand Recording Showcase at Cicero's is only a couple of weeks away! Featuring the Blind Eyes, the Livers, Kentucky Knife Fight & the Humanoids- all bands that have recorded their respective albums within the hallowed walls of Firebrand Recording.

This show is not to be missed! All the proceeds go to benefit the studio. There will album and t-shirt giveaways and other good stuff. The show is basically all-ages (16+) and pretty damn cheap ($8) to boot! Seeya there!

Post-Rockist Show Blurb

A little blurb about last Saturday's show on Post-Rockist. Hey, it ain't much, but news is news.

Photos From Off Broadway, October 17

Check out some pics from Saturday's show at Off Broadway, available here on our Myspace page. Big thanks to Gentleman Auction House, the Safes, Beth Bombara, New Belgium Brewing (for sponsoring the show), Mayor Slay for the sweet tweet, and above all the huge crowd that came out! See you all on November 14th!

St. Louis Mayor Tweets About The Blind Eyes

Wow! From St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay's Twitter feed on Saturday:

MayorSlay: The Blind Eyes (whose lead singer's gf is roller derby's Mayor Francis Slayer) play Off Broadway tonight at 9pm.

I think I can say with certainty that no band any of us has ever been in has recieved a Mayoral endorsement before. Next up: key to the city?

Urbana Illinois Tonight

The Blind Eyes are in Urbana, IL TONIGHT at Courtyard Cafe w/ Times New Viking (Matador Records) and the Safes! Doors at 7, show at 7:30! The whole shebang is over by 11 so come out early and stay out, er, sorta late-ish.

Times New Viking w/ the Blind Eyes & the Safes
Friday, October 16th
Courtyard Cafe/Illini Union
1401 West Green Street
Urbana, IL 61801

Modernity Gets Some Press

...But not the kind you're used to. Apparently, some people in the design community with exceptionally awesome taste have taken note of the packaging we used for the album! Here's a little blurb about it on Pressing Letters. The bottom line: when you purchase Modernity, you're not only getting a great album- you're getting a work of art.

Blind Eyes Tour Diary

Ever wanted to know what life on the road with The Blind Eyes is like? Well, here's your chance- the tour diary from our recent upper-midwest jaunt has been posted online at the Riverfront Times website (courtesy of Annie Zaleski/A to Z). Read all about the good times, the bad times, the blood, sweat, and tears. Enjoy!

October 16th And 17th

Next Saturday October 17th!


























Get there early! Stay there late!

Also, to our Illinois friends, don't forget we're playing Friday the 16th in Champaign-Urbana at Courtyard Cafe with Times New Viking (Matador) and the Safes!

WLUW Chicago Interview Available Online

Did you miss the Blind Eyes live interview/record spin on WLUW Chicago this past Friday? Worry not, the whole thing is downloadable here!




















Thanks again to Di and Razor for having us on! More pics plus tour diary coming soon!

The Blind Eyes- Best Pop Band 2009

The Blind Eyes are honored to have been named "Best Pop Band" in the 2009 Riverfront Times "Best of St. Louis" issue!

In additon, Seth Porter was tied for the nomination of "Best Male Vocalist" in the Readers Choice portion of the poll! See that in the print version of the RFT.

Thanks to all of you for making it happen!

Radio Free Chicago- October 2nd

The Blind Eyes will be doing a live interview and spinning tunes from Modernity on the Razor and Die Show- WLUW 88.7 Chicago on Friday, October 2nd at 4:30- Why? Because we're playing Chicago at Cal's on 10/3!

Modernity Now Available On Itunes!

What're you waiting for? Go download it!

October Update

Finalized dates and venues for our October mini-tour with the Safes!

Oct 1 The Borg Ward, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (w/ the Safes, Reckless Hearts, Mechanics of Romance)
Oct 2 The Wisco, Madison, Wisconsin (w/ the Safes, the Hussy)
Oct 3 Cal’s, Chicago, Illinois (w/ the Safes, the Blackbelts)
Oct 16 Courtyard Cafe, Champaign Urbana, Illinois (w/ the Safes, Times New Viking)
Oct 17 Off Broadway, Saint Louis, Missouri (w/ the Safes, Gentleman Auction House, Beth Bombara)

Seeya there!

Modernity Now Available Online At CD Baby

The Blind Eyes debut album "Modernity" is now available for download and purchase online at CD Baby! Looking for individual tracks? Download 'em for a mere 99 cents each! The album will be available soon on iTunes, Amazon, and more!

Photos From The LOT Music Festival

See some pics from the Blind Eyes' appearance at the 2009 LOT Music Festival here! Thanks again to Abby and all the people at MSTL for having us! Also thanks to Jason Stoff for taking these excellent shots.









Kevin proves he is cooler than you.

Pics From Show-Me St. Louis

Here are a few pics from yesterday's appearance on Show-Me St. Louis! Thanks to Abby Schwartz from the Lot, all the folks at KSDK, and of course Kat Kissick for snapping these! Check out the video here while it's available.

The Blind Eyes On Show-Me St. Louis - This Friday!

We'll be making our first TV appearance this Friday on Show-Me St. Louis! This has variously been hailed as "epic", "the Beatles on Ed Sullivan for our generation", and "pretty cool, guys".

The show runs from 3-3:30, we play sometime in the middle, along with an interview. Tune in, or better yet, come down and see it live! It's being taped live outside at KSDK Plaza, 1000 Market Street at 10th Street.

If you can't make it down, have your mom tape it for us so we can see it later.

Love,
tBE

Brasil, 1957: An In-Depth Review

Those of you who know us personally know that The Blind Eyes are, first and foremost, modern architecture buffs. Check out this great review from beltstl.com for a great piece-by-piece breakdown of the song Brasil, 1957 from Modernity! Out of all the songs on the record, this is probably the one we get asked about the most ("what does it mean?" "what's that chorus say"?, etc). This reviewer does a fine job of analyzing it, and connecting a few not-so-obvious dots.





















Speaking of Modernity- it will be available on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby and much more in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Tomorrow Night At Deluxe!

We're playing tomorrow night (Saturday 8/15) at Deluxe with the Helium Tapes and the Argonauts! We're headlining, so come early, stay late, and prepare for an unparalleled rock party!

It should also be noted that this is the last show with Brian Scheffer on bass! He's been filling in for Kevin the last couple weeks. Come mock him!

Blind Eyes News, August 12th

Ok, a few things to report:

1) We have a ton of awesome shows coming up in and out of St. Louis. You should go to them. One of them happens to be this Saturday the 15th at Deluxe!

2) We will be playing live on Show-Me St. Louis on August 28th, around 3:00. We'll be playing a song or two to promote the Lot Music Festival, which we'll be playing the following day!

3) Our August mini-tour with Justin Ripley and the ACBs is all wrapped up and was awesome! Thanks to the other bands, all of whom are the coolest guys ever, and to everyone that came out to the shows. We're really looking forward to getting back soon.

4) We are anxiously gearing up to start recording our next album. Look for it in 2010!

5) Morgan from the 75s sports a Blind Eyes t-shirt. Where's yours?

The Blind Eyes & Kentucky Knife Fight, 9/12 Mangia

Be there.

New T-Shirts Available Now!

We just got our latest batch of t-shirts in from House Of Eight Legs and of course they look great. Girl's sizes are finally available, so if you want one, drop us a line or come see us at a show! $10/ea

Summer/Fall Show Dates Poster!

Next Show: August 6th At Firebird

We're kicking off August (and a short tour!) with an amazing show at Firebird on Thursday the 6th. Playing with us is Seattle's Justin Ripley and the one and only ACBs from Kansas City! Attentive fans of the Blind Eyes will recall that the ACBs played our album release show back in March and were awesome. Be there!

For the rest of the Blind Eyes' August dates, see the post right below this one.

The Blind Eyes Hit The Road In August/October!

August mini-tour with the ACBs (Kansas City) and Justin Ripley:

Aug 6 2009 Firebird, Saint Louis, Missouri
Aug 7 2009 Mojo’s, Columbia, Missouri
Aug 8 2009 Jackpot Music Hall, Lawrence, Kansas
Aug 9 2009 Streetside Records (in-store) Kansas City, Missouri
*Brian Scheffer from Firebrand Recording will be playing bass with the Blind Eyes for the above shows!

October mini-tour with the Safes (Chicago)

Oct 1 TBA Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Oct 2 The Wisco, Madison, Wisconsin
Oct 3 2009 Cal’s, Chicago, Illinois
Oct 16 TBA Champaign Urbana, Ilinois
Oct 17 TBA Saint Louis, Missouri

PLUS we have a bunch of other great local shows coming up that you would be foolish to miss:

Aug 15 Deluxe w/ Helium Tapes
Aug 29 The LOT Music Festival
Sep 12 Mangia w/ Kentucky Knife Fight

More coming soon. Seeya there!
tBE

RFT Showcase Wrap-up

A huge, enormous thank you to everyone who came out and packed Cicero's for our slot at the RFT Music Awards showcase this past Sunday! We had a great time and hope you did too. Plenty of pictures from the show are available here on our Myspace page, more coming soon! Thanks again for coming out, and hopefully voting for us as well! Seeya next weekend at the Library!

Blind Eyes News- June 4th

This past couple of weeks have been full of cool happenings, and we owe it all to you:

Firstly, the album has been getting a ton of airplay. Thanks to our friends at KDHX for spinning it and we’re really glad you like it enough to play it as much as you do. Also, thanks again to our good friend (understatement of the century) Annie Zaleski for spinning us on, of all places, The Point! Our first bit of commercial airplay ever! Now we know what Nickelback feels like. Speaking of radio stuff, we had a blast playing live on Juxtaposition last night! For more on that, see the post below this one.

To that end, every copy of our album- plus all our t-shirts have sold out at Vintage Vinyl, were restocked, and are on their way to selling out again! Thanks to everyone that has gone out and picked one up. You guys are the best.

Plus, to everyone that has voted for us (or is planning to) in the 2009 Riverfront Times Music Awards for Best Pop Band- thanks again! Remember, you have until June 7th to cast your vote. Most importantly, make sure to come see us at the showcase- Cicero’s at 8 pm.

Cheers,tBE

Blind Eyes on KDHX "Juxtaposition"- Photos + Streaming Audio

The Blind Eyes did a 4 song set (plus an interview) on the KDHX show "Juxtaposition" last night. Thanks to host Rob Levy for having us on! In case you missed it, you can hear streaming audio of the show here. Photos below.

Poster For June 19th

The Blind Eyes Live In The Studio- KDHX June 3rd

Next Wednesday, June 3rd, the Blind Eyes will be playing a live in-studio set for KDHX's Juxtaposition, hosted by Rob Levy! 8PM at 88.1 St. Louis, or stream live at KDHX.org! Tune in! This will be our second time playing live at KDHX: we appeared last year on Annie Zaleski's supremely awesome International Pop Overthrow.

Also, we should take this time to thank all the KDHX DJs that have been playing "Modernity"! We really appreciate it.

Fan quote of the day from Amie in St. Louis: "heard you on the radio today while driving to a meeting...modernity. woot woot!"

See? It's catching on!

Just Added- Kepi Ghoulie/ Blind Eyes June 19th At The Library!

We're excited to announce the addition of our good friend Kepi Ghoulie (formerly of the Groovie Ghoulies) to the already mind-blowing lineup for Friday, June 19th at the Library (706 Lafayette in Soulard)!

So, we've got:

Kepi Ghoulie (full band, featuring members of the Teenage Bottle Rockets, Little Medusas, and Groovie Ghoulies)
The Blind Eyes
Midtown Thieves
The 75s

Whew. Too much rock! Seeya there.

Blind Eyes News

Stuff for you to look at and be excited about this week:

• The Blind Eyes are officially part of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch "Summer Concert Season"! The Lot Fest also gets a mention on STL Events Weekly.
• More great photos from the Midwest Mayhem Music Festival here. Consolidated Blind Eyes shots available on our Myspace Page.
• New songs coming soon! We're hoping to roll out at least a couple of new ones by the next show, which happens to be the 2009 Riverfront Times Music Awards Showcase!
• We'll be heading into the studio in early June and laying down a new track that will be available online by the middle of the month! You've all been clamoring for a recording of "Hold Down The Fort"... ask and ye shall recieve.

Midwest Mayhem Photos Now Available

Photos from the Midwest Mayhem Music Festival at the City Museum posted online. Check them out!

The Blind Eyes, Week Of May 10-16

There's a whole load of stuff happening this week. Dig it:

• Tuesday- Seth Porter DJ spin at the Royale, 10 PM- close.
• Thursday- The Blind Eyes at the KDHX Midwest Mayhem Music Festival (Aquarium Stage, first floor, 7:30 PM).
  
• Saturday- The Blind Eyes w/ Helium Tapes and Magic City at Off Broadway, doors at 8, show at 9, we play second in the lineup (advance tickets available online at Ticketweb).

See you there!

The Blind Eyes & Helium Tapes Saturday, May 16

The Blind Eyes Nominated For "Best Pop Band"- 2009 RFT Music Awards!

The Blind Eyes are honored to be nominated in the category of "Best Pop Band" in this year's Riverfront Times Music Awards!

Click on this link and vote now! And even though it wasn't actually nominated, you can still vote "Modernity" as "best self-released album" by simply writing it in!

We will be playing the Showcase on Sunday, June 7th at Cicero's from 8-8:40 PM. See you there!

The Blind Eyes at 2009 Midwest Mayhem Festival, LOT Music Festival

It's official- The Blind Eyes will be playing this year's KDHX Midwest Mayhem Music Festival at the City Museum! Official release here. More details plus show poster coming soon! And don't forget, we're also playing the 2009 LOT Music Festival in August with an amazing lineup. Both shows are not to be missed!

French Kicks/Blind Eyes April 21st

Just a quick update to remind you that the French Kicks/Blind Eyes show at Firebird is just about a week away! See you there.

Vintage Vinyl Window Display

The Blind Eyes Vintage Vinyl window display is up and will be there for the next month, maybe more! Go check it out, and while you're at it, head inside and buy a copy of Modernity and a t-shirt! Thanks again to Nate and Jason for helping make it happen. The picture shown at left is an insanely crappy cell-phone shot, but there will be better ones posted here soon.

Jason And Nate Fan Club

We at Blind Eyes HQ have got to take a second to acknowledge the awesome work of two of our close friends, Jason Potter and Nathan Prater who totally went above and beyond in putting together some awesome new stuff for us in a pinch. These will both be available for viewing soon in the front window of Vintage Vinyl (the yellow Modernity posters will be up soon in other spots around town), but here's a sneak peek. If you're in need of graphic design and/or print work, we seriously cannot recommend these two duedz enough.

Just Announced: The Blind Eyes w/ French Kicks April 21

The Blind Eyes will be playing with New York's French Kicks on Tuesday, April 21st at Firebird. Yeah, it's a Tuesday night, but you should come out and rock nonetheless. More details + show poster as we get them!

French Kicks w/ the Blind Eyes and One Lone Car
Tuesday, April 21st - 18+
The Firebird- 2706 Olive StreetSt. Louis, MO 63103

R.I.P. Jamie Foehner

We'd like to express our collective condolences to the family and friends of Jamie Foehner, who passed away yesterday at 38. Jamie was the booking agent/trivia host/door guy at Lemmons in St. Louis for years, and he was always great to us whenever we played there. On top of that he was just an all around nice guy and the local music scene definitely lost a great friend and advocate. There is a little obituary to him up at A to Z, go check it out.

Modernity Available Now At Vintage Vinyl

The Blind Eyes debut album, Modernity, is now available at Vintage Vinyl in University City! Want to hear it first? It's available for hearing at the listening station as well. Go check it out!

And keep in mind, until we get the online-ordering thing figured out, you can simply send us an email at theblindeyes at gmail dot com to order CDs, T-shirts (like the one pictured on the striking gentleman to the left), pins, or whatever else- and we will respond right away. Guaranteed!

Edwardsville, Illinois This Friday 3/20

The Blind Eyes are returning to Edwardsville, Illinois this weekend for a rock party at Broken Record. A party to which you should not, under any circumstances, be tardy. Don't even consider it. Need more info? The attached flyer will give you everything you need.

Everything, that is, except the address: 301 A N. Main St., Edwardsville, Illinois 62025

Post-Rockist Album/Show Review

The Post-Rockist has published a great review of Modernity and the album release show. Click here for the full review including sample MP3s and video, or read below!

***
At first, whenever anyone talked about the Blind Eyes, myself included, it seemed inevitable that someone would group the St. Louisans alongside the neatly-tailored English pop of the Jam and Elvis Costello, or occasionally next to the slightly more rambunctious Thin Lizzy of Ireland. But for all the mod aspirations implied by the title of their debut album, Modernity, there’s not a hint of dandyism or faux-Union Jack banner waving insincerity. Instead, we get an even dozen of crisp, catchy-as-all-hell pop songs that may nod their cap at the legends of the past, but keep moving forward in a brisk strut.

I was at the album release party for Modernity this past Friday at the Firebird, and it was great to see such a wide turnout for a local band of their size. It was a mixed crowd of bar scene regulars, reporters, and casual music fans who made the commute to downtown for the evening. A few people mentioned to me that it was exactly what this city needs more of: a full bar on a Friday night filled with curious listeners and fantastic bands. (Note to self: bring more cash in hand next time the ACBs from Kansas City are in town.) But I think the turnout really speaks to the Blind Eyes’ crossover potential: they’re familiar without being reductive, fun without being sappy, edgy without being difficult.

On record, I was struck by how much the Blind Eyes sound like the early Strokes; the main difference being that, unlike Julian Casablancas, lead singer/guitarist Seth Porter actually has a decent set of pipes on him. On the playful and punchy album opener “January,” he sings as nonchalantly as a Vegas crooner who’s found his sweet spot: “The end of the world may be coming soon, but it’s hard to care on a sunny afternoon when you’ve got tailpipes spewin’, doom and gloomin’, you hear a rap-tap-tat-tat-a-tat on your door!” Porter’s songs are melodic and full of character details, like short stories that come to life with the cynical big city noir of “High Life” or the coy interior monologue of “Pages.”

But if Porter gleams on the polish, Kevin Schneider’s turns on the microphone are scruffier and more urgent. On “Find the Time,” one of the album’s highlights, Schneider inhabits the spirit of kindred bassist/vocalist Phil Lynott, too reckless and brash to let the good times slip through his fingers. The constant back-and-forth between the spiky-smooth contrast of Schneider and Porter keeps things interesting throughout. (Although, to be even-handed, I should point out that Schneider’s punkish “Forget About Everything” does seem to drag on for one jazzy interlude and chorus refrain too long.)

Between the prominent bass leads, bright rhythm guitar glint, and Matt Picker’s effortlessly bouncy drumming, it’s hard to believe the Blind Eyes are only a trio. There are so many smart hooks and clever quips that the packaging almost seems too modest. If they returned on their sophomore album with a keyboard, a second guitar, and a brass section I wouldn’t even bat an eye.

Thank You

Thank you a thousand times over to the huge crowd that came out Friday night for our CD release show at Firebird! It was awesome to see so many people there, and we really, really appreciate the support. Thanks also to the Firebird crew and of course the Frontier Brothers, the ACBs and the Livers for playing amazing sets. Big thanks also to the local music media, especially the RFT and KDHX, for really getting behind us on this. We hope you all dig the album!

Click here to see a gallery of pictures from the show, compliments of Douglas Garfield!

The Blind Eyes RFT Feature/Cover Story

An immense debt of gratitude is owed to Annie Zaleski, Jennifer Silverberg and Tom Carlson of the Riverfront Times for making this happen. We're beyond honored to be among the ranks of those to have graced the cover of St. Louis' premier alt-weekly.

Read the story here!

T-Shirts And Albums And Pins, Oh My!

Holy crap, we're going to have some awesome stuff for sale on Friday in addition to the album. Check out these re-designed pins and brand new t-shirts, made by the one and only Nate Prater at House of Eight Legs Screenprinting! Can't make the show? Email us and we'll get one to you!

While we're on the subject of House of Eight Legs, huge thanks to Nate and Scott for printing up these amazing banners for the CD release show! If you see one hanging around town, please leave it up till after the show is over!

KDHX "Artist Of The Week"

This just in- the Blind Eyes are going to be featured as the "Artist of the Week" on KDHX 88.1 for the next two weeks, beginning Monday, March 2nd! They will be spinning tunes from Modernity along with an exclusive interview with Seth and Matt. Thanks immensely to Annie Z and the good people at KDHX for making it happen! Air times will be posted as soon as they're available.

UPDATE- Here are the airtimes for the spotlight:
Mon - 1p, 7p
Tues - 12a, 3p
Wed - 1a, 10p
Thurs - 2a, 9p
Fri - 3:30a, 11a
Sat - 2a, 10p
Sun - 9a, 9p

March 6th Poster

This brand spankin' new poster for the album release show comes to us compliments of the Livers!

Modernity Album Cover Preview

Don't forget, the release party for the Blind Eyes debut full-length album, Modernity, is just a couple of weeks away! Here's a sneak peek at the cover art, done by the one and only Kirsten O'Loughlin (of the fearsome Arch Rival Rollergirls) . The album will be for sale for the first time at the show, shortly thereafter online and in stores. Also, keep your eyes peeled for a full-length feature on the Blind Eyes in the Riverfront Times that will be running the week of the show!

Blind Eyes In Columbia, MO Tonight!

The Blind Eyes return to Columbia, MO tonight, Wednesday February 11th. It's our first time at Mojos, and it's with the Monte Carlos and the Black Nancy! Come out- It's not like there's anything else to do on a Wednesday night!

Blind Eyes "Modernity" Album Release Friday, March 6th!

The Blind Eyes' debut album "Modernity" will be released on March 6th, 2009, and celebrated with a release party at The Firebird (formerly the Bluebird)! Also playing are St. Louis' own The Livers, along with Kansas City's ACBs and The Frontier Brothers from Austin, Texas! It's guaranteed to be a party to beat all parties. More details will be available as they develop. Save the date!

The Blind Eyes CD Release Party w/ The Livers, The ACBs and The Frontier Brothers
- $8/$11 Doors: 8:30pm Show: 9:00pm 18+

The Firebird- 2706 Olive StreetSt. Louis, MO 63103

Next Show: Blind Eyes At Mangia, Saturday February 7th

Come out on Saturday, February 7th for our first-ever show at Mangia on South Grand! Playing with us is the one and only Athens from Chicago (to our Chicago friends; fret not- we will be there soon! Details forthcoming). Need another reason to come out, besides the fact that it's Saturday night and Athens is playing? Ok. The show is free! There you have it- us, Athens, Saturday, free. It'll go late and there's cheap drinks, there's two more reasons. The last time we played there, it was a total dance party! Granted, that was in a different band, but still. Only you can help us make this even more of a dance party.

Blind Eyes At The Wedge

The show on Friday at the Wedge was amazing. It was our first show there, but it certainly will not be our last. Thanks to the huge crowd that came out, and of course to Left Arm and the Abacinators for playing great sets! A few pics from the show (as well as the show last week at Off Broadway) are below:

The Blind Eyes TONIGHT (Jan 16th) At The Wedge!

(Update: show flier posted online!)

Tonight at the Wedge in Dutchtown: a rock n' roll show like no other, featuring the inimitable LEFT ARM, the imitable BLIND EYES, and the able ABACINATORS (who are comin' all the way from lovely Bloomington, Illinois!).

This place is tiny and it's going to be packed, so get there early! And remember: on a cold winter evening, nothing is better than good pizza, cheap booze, and rock 'n' roll. This is a proven fact.

The Wedge
442 Bates St
Doors 8, show 9
$7 admission, $3 surcharge for minors- 18+

Seth Is DJing Tuesday Night At The Royale

If you live in St. Louis, come down to the Royale (3132 S. Kingshighway) tomorrow night (Tuesday the 13th). Starting at 10 pm, Blind Eyes guitarist/singer Seth Porter will be spinning tunes till the place closes down. If you are of legal drinking age and you're not supporting this place regularly, you should be.

About Last Night

Thanks to the awesomely huge crowd at Off Broadway last night for dancing, prancing, romancing, and throwing beach balls. The best show we've played at Off Broadway yet? We'd say so! Thanks also to the other bands on the bill: Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship, the Hibernauts, and especially the Makeshift Gentlemen: good luck at Disneyworld (or is it Disneyland? Can't ever remember which is which. The one in Florida).

Update: show review with photos posted here!

Remember: Blind Eyes with Left Arm next Friday at St. Louis' newest venue, the Wedge!

The Blind Eyes- Now On Facebook

The Blind Eyes can't get enough of social networking, so in addition to our Myspace page (and of course, our blog, which you're currently reading), we are now on Facebook! Yes, this triples the work for us when it comes to keeping people informed of shows and other goings-on, but here at Blind Eyes HQ (pictured at left), our motto is "the more the merrier". That, and "beyond the realm; where the lightning meets the mist". But the first one, in this case, is more appropriate. Anyway, if you're on Facebook (and you probably are), become a fan!

The Blind Eyes At Off Broadway This Friday

Alright people, we're kicking off 2009 in style with a monster show at Off Broadway this Friday, January 9th. Here's the lineup and details:

The Makeshift Gentlemen (11:00-11:45)
The Hibernauts (10:15-10:45)
The Blind Eyes (9:30-10:00)
Super Fun Yea Yea Rocketship (8:45-9:15)

Doors Open @ 8:00
$7 cover

Yeah, for some reason it starts early and ends early, so come early! See you there.

Happy New Year

Happy new year from all of us here at TBEHQ. Party hearty, drive safe, and we will see you in 2009!

New Blind Eyes Interview Available Online

Check out the brand new interview with the Blind Eyes from Plastique Pop#4 here! An excerpt from the interview:

"...Shirtless guy understands that the main thing getting in the way of a good show is shirt wearing. Since meeting him, I have based my life on his teachings."

How can you resist ordering a copy?

The Blind Eyes' "January" In Kirkwood High DVD

The Blind Eyes song "January" from the upcoming album is the first song on Kirkwood High School's "Spirit Week" DVD. "What?", you ask? We pretty much said the same thing. Despite the fact that none of us attended Kirkwood High School, and despite the fact that the most involvement we ever had in our high school musically speaking (aside from getting disqualified from the battle of the bands for cursing and breaking a microphone) was skipping class to practice in our first band, Satan's Wastebasket, we're honored to be featured on this. We also hope all you students at Kirkwood High buy a copy of the record when it comes out. And remember: be cool- stay in school.

First Shows Of 2009 Announced

The first shows for 2009 are already starting to pile up- some announced, some still in the works. We just confirmed the first show last night, which will be on Saturday, January 9th at Off Broadway with the Makeshift Gentlemen, the Hibernauts, and Superfun Yeah Yeah Rocketship (poster coming soon). We challenge you to find a better show to kick off the year. The following week we're playing our first ever show at St. Louis' newest venue, the Wedge, with our good friends Left Arm and the Monte Carlos (from Columbia, MO). We're also playing a free show at Mangia in February with Athens (from Chicago) which will be a guaranteed blast. See you all next Saturday!

Plastique Pop #4 Out Now

The fourth issue of Milwaukee's number one rock 'n' roll fanzine Plastique Pop- which features a brand spankin' new interview with the Blind Eyes- is hot off the press and out NOW! They're available online here. Issue number four also includes interviews with Empty Faces, The Girls, Human Eye, Sam Gambino, The International Date Lines, and The Chemistry Set. Go buy one. Thanks to the one and only Adam Weird for making it happen. And to our friends in Milwaukee: we will see you this summer, so dust off the cheese helmets.

Blind Eyes Recording Session Web Galleries

Our good friend and unofficial (official?) band photographer Doug Garfield sent over some great links awhile back (see 'em here, here, and here) absolutely stuffed with pics from our recording session for the upcoming album taken at Firebrand Recording. There's some great stuff in here, so if you're interested, take a look. As a totally unrelated sidenote, Doug has the most mind-blowing collection of To-Fu Oyako in America and the sheer massiveness of it will make your head spin.

A Very Bert Dax Christmas, Volume 7- Out Now

Until the full-length album comes out, satisfy your need for recorded Blind Eyes material (and lots of other awesome recorded material) by picking up a copy of this year's A Very Bert Dax Christmas compilation. We contributed a tune called "Christmas AM Gold", which has been variously hailed as "a masterpiece", "a Christmas miracle", and "the musical equivalent of the death rattle of a scabies-ridden cat with leprosy".

But f'real, Christian Schaeffer of the Riverfront Times says: "This year's highlights include the Blind Eyes' "Christmas AM Gold," which isn't as soft and sappy as advertised, but still retains the trio's hip-shaking verve". So there ya go.

Available now online, at Vintage Vinyl, Apop Records, and other places around town.

Blind Eyes Featured On Lo-Fi St. Louis

Thanks to our pal Bill Streeter for posting some great live video of the Blind Eyes on Lo-Fi St. Louis! Go check it out now! There are 3 songs in total, the first two are ones you probably know if you follow the band with any level of regularity. The bonus song (now titled "Look Back & Laugh", then operating under the working title "Thundertemple A.D.") is actually our debut performance of this particular tune, which will no doubt find it's way on to our next album. Enjoy.

Achtung!

Welcome to the official website for the Blind Eyes, St. Louis' premiere indie/powerpop/rock n' roll band. We will be posting stuff here regularly, and you should read it, by golly.