The Blind Eyes

End Of The Year Press Madness

2011-12-14T08:58:00.000-08:00

Holy cow! “With A Bang” is officially the #1 played album on KDHX for 2011 in both the national and local categories, and has made more than one DJ top ten list. Additionally, Seth talks about recording the album in today’s issue of the RFT.

We owe an immense thank you to everyone in the local music community, from the bottom of our hearts, for being so supportive of our band and of this album. For real, we owe you all a drink. Or a decorative popcorn tin. You rock. See you on NYE and in 2012.

Cheers,

Seth, Matt, Kevin, and Andy

"With A Bang" Release Show Prints Available

2011-10-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

Euclid Records still has a few posters from our record release show available on their site. Done by the one and only Sleepy Kitty Arts, there were only 61 of these printed, and most of them are long since spoken for. Get one now!

St. Louis Beacon Interview

2011-10-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

There's a new interview with Seth at the St. Louis Beacon, which we think turned out pretty darned spiffily. Go check it out, and don't forget to tune in to Channel 9 this Friday 10/21 for our exclusive segment for the PBS Arts Festival Series!

And Then There Were Four

2011-10-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

We are very pleased to announce that guitarist Andy White will be joining our musical family. We strongly believe that Andy's exemplary musicianship, intimidating biceps, and van ownership will all be valuable assets to the band moving forward. So long as he can endure the brutal hazing coming has way, Andy will be making his Blind Eyes debut at Edwardsville's venerable Stagger Inn on October 22. Come welcome him and check out our new and improved live sound!

UPDATE: RFT interview! Dig it.

Blind Eyes News, September 29th

2011-09-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Stuff you need to know about:

-The band will be spinning records at The Royale on Friday, 9/30 from 10-close for the first ever Blind Eyes DJ spin. It's free. Come out!

-The Blind Eyes will be headlining the 3rd annual Midtown Alley Street Festival on Saturday, 10/1. We'll be playing at 10, and PBS will be there taping our set for a short documentary thing, so if you want to be immortalized on video, come on out! There's a cool blurb about it (and a nice little tBE write-up) on Metromix. Also free.

-A new "Local Music Spotlight" on the band is airing now on KDHX, but you can stream/download it here.

That's it. Seeya out there!
tBE

PopMatters Review- "With A Bang"

2011-09-29T07:29:00.001-07:00

Excellent new review of "With A Bang" on PopMatters. Check it!

2011 "Best Of St. Louis" Awards

2011-09-28T09:32:00.000-07:00

For the third year in a row, the Blind Eyes have been picked as the "Best Pop Band" in St. Louis by the Riverfront Times in their annual "Best Of" issue. This year, we also took home the "reader's choice" picks for "Best Male Vocalist" (Seth Porter) and "Album of the Year" (With A Bang). We appreciate your support immensely, so thanks once again to the RFT and to everyone who voted for us. Cheers to you all, and see you in '12!

Midtown Alley Street Fest

2011-08-31T14:46:00.000-07:00

Our next show is October 1st at the 3rd annual Midtown Alley Street fest- and it's totally FREE! Tons of rad bands and an awesome local event. Go to it. More information including set times coming soon.

New Blind Eyes T-Shirts Now Available

2011-08-31T11:52:00.001-07:00

Merchandise? It keeps us alive! Get 'em from us direct via email (theblindeyes at gmail dot com) or at a show. These are super sweet and printed on uber-stylish American Apparel tees. $15/ea.

Blind Eyes News, June 28th

2011-06-28T06:59:00.000-07:00

Well, happy Tuesday to all of you. A few quick and awesome things to note:

-For the third week in a row, "With A Bang" is #1 on the KDHX CMJ Top 30! On a similar note, the album is also #3 in mid-year national top album spins and #1 in the local top album spins- and has made many a' DJ's "top 10 albums" list. Not bad for only being out for 19 days! Immense thanks!

-We're happy to announce we will be playing with our friends Old Lights for their record release party at Off Broadway on Friday, July 15th. Advance tickets available here.

-Thomas Crone's excellent city-centric blog, The South Side of Luck, recently featured a nice little shout-out to With A Bang. Go check it out!

-In addition to being currently available on CD Baby and iTunes, the new album is also now available to download on Napster.

The Blind Eyes: Haikulou

2011-06-21T12:02:00.001-07:00

Another one that slipped under the radar. A haiku? About lil' ole' us? How awesome is that. We had one person create us a "Blind Eyes" sculpture, but this is without doubt our first piece of Japanese poetry. We're flattered.

Haiku it here.

"With A Bang" #3 At Euclid Records

2011-06-21T11:44:00.000-07:00

We're honored to be among the top sellers for the week at Euclid Records, one of our favorite of St. Louis' many amazing record stores. I guess we can accept Neil Young selling more than us. But My Morning Jacket? You'd better grow eyes in the back of your head, 'cause we're coming for you. Just kidding, you guys are great. Don't beat us up.

"Hermetically Sealed" On "Speakers + Summer Vol. 2"

2011-06-21T10:10:00.001-07:00

"Hermetically Sealed" is featured on Speakers In Code's annual free ringing-in-the-summer album, Speakers + Summer, Volume 2- and it's the first track, no less! The whole thing is chock full of awesomeness (The Elected, Black Lips, and Toro y Moi are just some of the jams you can snag), so don't wait.

Download the whole thing totally free right here, and play it loud.

#1 On CMJ Top 30 Charts, Week 2

2011-06-21T10:03:00.001-07:00

For the second week in a row, "With A Bang" is sitting at the #1 spot on the CMJ Top 30 charts! Massive thanks once again to KDHX, and to all of you for supporting the album!

"With A Bang" Available Now On iTunes

2011-06-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

All you iPhone users rejoice! "With A Bang" is now available on iTunes. Unfortunately, the Blind Eyes are still working through their 10-year "RAZR" endorsement deal, which didn't turn out to be the best business move in hindsight. Seemed like a good idea at the time. Maybe we can get it as a ringtone?

(More) Record Release Show Photos

2011-06-20T07:04:00.000-07:00

Dig 'em! A new gallery of pics from our record release show courtesy of one of the best photographers in St. Louis, Kate McDaniel.

"With A Bang" Now Available Online

2011-06-17T07:32:00.000-07:00

Through the miracles of modern technology, our new album is now available online to download at CD Baby. It'll be available for purchase on Amazon, iTunes, Napster, Rhapsody, and anywhere else you can think of in the coming weeks.

Also- for our local friends, the album will be in stock at Vintage Vinyl and Apop Records tonight!

"With A Bang" 3 Minute Record Review

2011-06-16T11:16:00.000-07:00

Local music blog 3 Minute Record wrote up a great review of "With A Bang"! We implore you to go read it immediately. Thanks to Scott Allen for taking the time to check it out!

Another Ted Leo Show Review

2011-06-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

This review of our May show with Ted Leo and Title Tracks just popped up on our radar, even though it's been online awhile now. Nice write-up with some pics. Dig it.

"With A Bang" #1 On KDHX CMJ Top 30

2011-06-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

We're excited to announce that "With A Bang" is currently sitting at #1 on the KDHX CMJ (College Music Journal) Top 30 charts this week. Thanks once again to KDHX for all the airplay you've been giving the new album!

Record Release Show Photos

2011-06-14T13:59:00.001-07:00

Some pics from this past weekend's "With A Bang" album release show at Off Broadway are online now for your viewing pleasure:

Gallery 1

Gallery 2 (need a Facebook account to view)

Thanks to Abby Gillardi and Andrew Kerman!

Blind Eyes Feature In "Before The Blink"

2011-06-13T07:30:00.001-07:00

We're honored to be featured in a very awesome article in Before The Blink, compliments of local photographer and all around man-about-town Nate Burrell. Click here to check it out!

Stream The Blind Eyes KDHX Live Set/Interview

2011-06-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

Our recent live set and interview with Rob Levy (plus photos by Kate McDaniel) on "Juxtaposition" is now online and available to stream. KDHX says:

The Blind Eyes wide variety of influences are noticeable in their songs, giving the listener flashbacks to all those great sounds of the past in a fresh and modern format that runs the field from the Blake Babies to Tom Petty with stops at just about all points in between. Seth Porter’s guitar and vocals blend well with the rhythm section of bassist/vocalist Kevin Schneider and drummer Matt Picker, resulting in thoroughly enjoyable, even danceable, rock & roll experience.

Go check out out!

"Hold Down The Fort" Live At KDHX Video

2011-06-09T11:23:00.000-07:00

In case you missed the memo, we did a live set on the KDHX show Juxtaposition that aired last night. Streaming audio of the show is forthcoming, but here's a video of "Hold Down The Fort" shot in the studio. Thanks once again to Rob Levy for having us on his show for the second time, we had a blast!

"With A Bang" Speakers In Code Review

2011-06-09T08:17:00.000-07:00

The inimitable St. Louis music blog Speakers In Code gives "With A Bang" a very generous 90/100 ranking! Needless to say, we're flattered. Check out the review here.

"With A Bang" Riverfront Times Review + Extras

2011-06-09T08:07:00.001-07:00

Kiernan Maletsky outdid himself with an amazing track-by-track (p)review of the new album. Check it out online or pick up a copy, available now! Speaking of the RFT, you can also stream a couple of the new tracks, and check out some show poster-related goodness.

RFT Music Showcase Review & Photos

2011-06-07T14:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out and partied with us at this year's RFT Music Showcase this past Saturday! We had the best time ever, and judging by the turnout all night, so did you. Here's a cool review of our set courtesy of 3 Minute Record and some pics of the event as well. Hope you voted for us as "Best Rock Band" for 2011, but even if you didn't, we still love you. Just not as much as before.

"With A Bang" Release Show Poster

2011-05-31T06:35:00.000-07:00

The incomparable Sleepy Kitty has once again outdone themselves in the art department with this amazing poster for our release show on June 11th! We'll have some prints available for purchase (cheep!) the night of the show. Live it.

RFT Music Awards 2011

2011-05-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

In the event that you've been living under a rock (or not in St. Louis) for the past few months, you surely know that the annual Riverfront Times Music Awards are upon us! We're honored to have been nominated in the category of "Best Rock Band" this year, and we sure hope you'll take some time to go over to the RFT site and give us your vote, if you're so inclined.

We're flattered to have recently been named a "top ten must-see act" for this year's showcase, which is happening next Saturday, June 4th down on Washington Avenue! Our set is 8:15-9 at Side Bar. Hope to see you there! It'll be a massive party, to which you shouldn't be tardy.

"With A Bang" Is In The House

2011-05-24T07:35:00.001-07:00

Coming June 11th! Stuffed dragon dog toy not included. Sorry if that's a dealbreaker for anyone. Hope to see you at the show!

Ted Leo/Blind Eyes Show Review

2011-05-09T10:45:00.001-07:00

Did you have as much fun at Off Broadway last night as we did? All signs point to "yes". Perhaps the best Sunday night show in the history of the world. Also, we don't want to brag, but Ted Leo, like, totally tweeted about us. This makes us giddy.

Here's some more stuff for you to look at:

Riverfront Times show review

KDHX show review

Photos by Nate Burrell

Another KDHX show review

I Went To A Showcase 2011

2011-05-09T10:42:00.000-07:00

The secret is out- The Blind Eyes will be playing the first inaugural "I Went To A Showcase" on May 14th with our friends the Dive Poets, the Breaks, Pretty Little Empire, and Tight Pants Syndrome! Oh, the fun that will be had. Here's the official announcement plus a short interview with Matt. See you on Saturday!

"With A Bang" Album Cover Preview

2011-04-19T13:41:00.001-07:00

Don't forget- the release party for The Blind Eyes' sophomore full-length album is on Saturday, June 11th at Off Broadway! Here's a sneak peek at the cover art, shot by the one and only Douglas Garfield. The album will be for sale for the first time at the show, online and in stores shortly thereafter.

Photos From Record Store Day At Euclid Records

2011-04-18T12:12:00.000-07:00

Well, Record Store Day is officially our favorite holiday- second only to Thanksgiving, maybe. If Record Store Day had stuffing, it'd be no contest. We had a great time playing at Euclid Records yesterday for their Sunday edition of RSD. Thanks to everyone who came out, for real, and of course to Euclid for having us. Looking forward to 2012!

Check out these great photos by Nate Burrell.

New Blind Eyes Live Video On Lo-Fi St. Louis

2011-04-18T12:07:00.000-07:00

An amazing video of us debuting a new tune at the Firebird back in March is online now at Lo-Fi St. Louis! It looks and sounds great- and finally we have video documentation that we are, in fact, capable of debuting a new song live and it not being a complete trainwreck.

Check it out here!

Blind Eyes News, April 2011

2011-04-08T07:57:00.000-07:00

A few quick things to fill you all in on. Grab a pencil:

-We are happy to announce our friends The LIVERS will be joining us and Sleepy Kitty at Off Broadway on June 11th for our "With A Bang" record release show! Make sure to bring a few pairs of socks with you, as they're certainly all going to be rocked off, and we don't want your feet to get cold. But we're not the only local band releasing an album this summer.

-There is a brand spankin' new interview with the band in the new issue of Eleven Magazine! It's not online yet, but when it gets up we'll link to it. In the meantime, you can pick up a copy pretty much anywhere, for free.

-We've been nominated for a 2011 Riverfront Times Music Award for "Best Rock Band"! Hope you "rock the vote", so to speak. Get it? Details on voting and the yearly showcase coming soon.

-We're going to be headlining day 2 of Euclid Records' Record Store Day weekend! We'll be playing at 7 pm on Sunday. The whole weekend is filled with incredible bands, including the Bottle Rockets, John Doe & Jill Sobule, the Sights, and tons more . Seriously, incredible. Don't believe us? Check out the schedule. Hope to see you there.

Review/Photos: The Blind Eyes & The Greenhornes At Firebird 3/22

2011-03-23T09:36:00.001-07:00

A review of last night's show at Firebird with the Greenhornes is online now, along with a gallery of photos courtesy of the inimitable Bryan Sutter! Thanks to everyone that came out and made our first local show of the year a memorable one. Lots more coming down the pike, stay tuned!

New Interview- City's Best St. Louis

2011-03-21T07:49:00.001-07:00

Seth and Matt chat with Amy Burger about the upcoming release of "With A Bang" and the local music scene on City's Best St. Louis. Check it out!

"With A Bang" Coming June 11, 2011

2011-03-10T11:02:00.001-08:00

Just announced! The long-awaited new Blind Eyes album With A Bang will be coming out on Saturday, June 11th with a release party at Off Broadway in St. Louis featuring our pals Sleepy Kitty plus one more TBA! Stay tuned, lots more details coming soon!

Post-Record Store Day At Euclid Records

2011-03-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

We're excited to announce we'll be playing a post-Record Store Day party at Euclid Records on Sunday, April 17th! If you're looking to get a sneak preview of the new album- and let's face it, why wouldn't you- then you're in luck: The first 25 attendees will receive a limited edition CD(r) single featuring 2 brand-new tracks from "With A Bang"! More details/lineup for the event TBA. Come out and support local record stores and local music!

Show Announcement - 3/22

2011-01-25T12:11:00.000-08:00

Just announced: The Blind Eyes will be playing with the Greenhornes and Hacienda on Tuesday, March 22 at the Firebird. If, by chance, you aren't familiar with them, the Greenhornes feature the rhythm section of the Raconteurs, plus a member of The Dead Weather, and are totally awesome. Advance tickets are available here! Hope to see you at the show.

"Top Shows Of 2010"

2011-01-20T07:15:00.000-08:00

Evan from Sleepy Kitty gave the Blind Eyes' Fleetwood Mac cover set at An Undercover Weekend a really nice shout out in a recent "Top Shows of 2010" article on I Went To A Show. Thanks, man! For the record, Sleepy Kitty as Pavement was totally amazing. Read on:

"But the Blind Eyes—this was their night. And, as is their graceful style, they spread it out ’til the night belonged to everyone. They made their allotted 25 minutes feel like an entire concert, blasting through early- and late-stage hits like they’d written the songs themselves. I had no idea I’d know every song in their set, but I did; I suppose I have a lifetime of grocery stores, coffee shops, and car radios to thank for that. But where I’d always thought of Fleetwood Mac as essentially mid-tempo breeziness, Matt Picker’s drumming gave the songs a rocked-up, roughed-up feel that got the room keyed up. And the best move of the night was to have a different Stevie Nicks for every song—Beth Bombara, Cassie Morgan, Sunyatta Marshall, and my own Paige Brubeck took turns pulling leads and harmonies out of each composition. By the time Seth Porter struck a chord and called out the last number, it felt like they’d pulled a trick with the clocks, and when that song turned out to be “Go Your Own Way,” it was time for the whole audience to join in with the full collection of Stevies assembled onstage to blast our way through the decades. It doesn’t matter whose song it is, when everyone in the room is singing the chorus, the feeling is unforgettable."

Blind Eyes Named A "Best Local Artist"

2011-01-18T20:43:00.000-08:00

Big thanks to Brenna from Examiner.com for naming the Blind Eyes a "Best Local St. Louis Artist" in this recent article. We're very happy to be sharing this spotlight with our good friends Union Tree Review, the Breaks, So Many Dynamos, and the Makeshift Gentlemen. And to Brenna- thank you for the continued support over the years! We'll miss you. Party hearty.

Blind Eyes News, January 2011

2011-01-06T10:55:00.001-08:00

Happy 2011 from the Blind Eyes! We have a few things to go over, so listen up:

First off, we want to thank everyone that came out and spent their New Year's Eve with us. We had a great time and hope you did too. Thanks also to Kentucky Knife Fight, Off Broadway, and New Belgium Brewing for helping make it happen. Looking forward to potentially doing it again next year. Check out some pics from the event here!

We'll be in the studio finishing up the album this week. Look for a March or April release at this point. For real this time.

Some recent press:

-Seth contributed to Speakers In Code's Best Local Music Moments of 2010 article.

-Mike Tomko wrote this amazing blog post about the Blind Eyes, for which we are eternally humbled- this kind of thing makes it all worthwhile.

-KDHX did a nice write-up of the Firebrand Recording Showcase.

-Jason Gonulsen gave us this mention on Metromix!

-A very cool KWUR review of "Modernity".

We have a ton more stuff happening this year, so stay tuned!

Cheers,

tBE

Second Annual Firebrand Recording Showcase, Nov. 13

2010-11-01T08:34:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

In an effort to better serve you, we have compiled a list of important reasons for you, the music fan, to attend the second annual Firebrand Recording Showcase at Off Broadway on Saturday, November 13th.

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 Strawfoot, Fattback, Sex Robots, Cross Examination, and Pat Sajak Assassins in addition to all of the bands on the bill on November 13. They always go above and beyond the call of duty, and this show is our [the bands] way of saying thanks for all the great work.

2. Sweet Merch Giveaways! 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, and ONE LUCKY WINNER will walk out with a totally sweet FIREBRAND official electric guitar!

3. Award winners! Firebrand was named "Best Recording Studio" in 2010. Kentucky Knife Fight was the winner of the "Album of the Year" in the 2009 RFT Music Awards, and their latest album is a consistent best-seller on local music charts! The Humanoids are a consistent "Best Punk Band" winner (and all-around sexy dudes), and The Blind Eyes were named "Best Pop Band" in both the 2010 Riverfront Times Music Awards AND the "Best of St. Louis" awards! You won't find a more decorated bill all weekend.

4. 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.

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

Sincerely,

the Blind Eyes

2010 FIREBRAND RECORDING SHOWCASE

The Blind Eyes

Kentucky Knife Fight

The Humanoids

@ Off Broadway

Saturday November 13

$10 cover

Blind Eyes At The Pageant, October 23rd

2010-10-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

We're excited to be playing our first show ever at The Pageant! It's a FREE show, it's Saturday night, and most importantly, it's with 4 amazing local bands!

Airplanes: 8-8:40
Bruiser Queen: 9-9:40
Blind Eyes: 10-10:40
Tilts: 11-11:40

Doors are at 7pm, show 8pm. All Ages! Free w/voucher or ticket if 21+ ($5 cover if under 21).

Click here for a free voucher to get you in to the show, or email us at theblindeyes@gmail.com with your address and we will mail you as many tickets as you want! We'll also throw in some Blind Eyes stickers FREE with every ticket request!

"Lo-Fi Sessions" Reviews

2010-09-30T12:52:00.000-07:00

Click to read some very cool reviews of our recent set on Lo-Fi St. Louis!

*St. Louis Post-Dispatch

*5-Score Pachyderm

Blind Eyes Voted "Best Pop Band" in 2010 "Best Of St. Louis" Awards

2010-09-29T07:51:00.001-07:00

Wowzers. A massive thank you once again to the people of St. Louis and the good folks over at the Riverfront Times for voting us "Best of St. Louis" for the second year in a row. We are truly honored. Click the link or read below:

"Pop" is a meaningless descriptor these days. But in the case of the Blind Eyes' brand of rock & roll, the term is apt. The power trio has the knack for constructing tunes that don't overstay their welcome, thanks to airtight choruses, concise verses and measured bridges. Ted Leo's agit-punk, Elvis Costello's brusque pop and the Jam's mod Britpop are all touchstones, while the group's Fleetwood Mac covers set at this year's An Under Cover Weekend hinted at a not-so-concealed love of gooey AM Gold. Newer Blind Eyes songs are just as catchy as those on its 2009 album,Modernity — and beyond that, it's clear the band's becoming more comfortable in its own skin.

Lo-Fi Sessions Video Available Now

2010-09-29T07:40:00.000-07:00

The acoustic session we shot inside the gutted remains of an airplane dangling 50 feet up in the air at the City Museum for Lo-Fi St. Louis is online now! Thanks to Bill Streeter for making it happen. It sounds better than it has any right to.

An Undercover Weekend- This Friday

2010-09-09T09:16:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Undercover Weekend series starts tomorrow night at the Firebird! We're very excited to be involved once again this year. As you may have heard, we'll be taking on Fleetwood Mac, with the help of some special guests from around the local scene. We can't tell you what songs we're doing or who is going to be helping out, so make sure you check it out live!

For more info, check out this interview with Seth online at STLtoday, and the excellent show preview over at the Riverfront Times.

Also- it's not too late to win free tickets to the show!

Hope to see you all tomorrow.

An Undercover Weekend 2010

2010-08-11T08:41:00.001-07:00

The Blind Eyes are excited to once again be playing An Undercover Weekend at the Firebird! What band will we we covering? We can't tell you. What we can tell you, however, is that all three nights will be nothing short of epic. We'll be playing the first night (September 10th). More info on who is playing here, plus an official AUCW website and Facebook page is coming soon. Stay tuned for details.

New "Modernity" Review Available Online

2010-08-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

New review of "Modernity" (and a nice shout-out for Vintage Vinyl) posted on Whale in a Cubicle!

This Saturday- Pop Luck 2010

2010-07-23T08:34:00.000-07:00

Don't forget- This Saturday (July 31st) is the first annual "pop luck" show at Off Broadway! Doors at noon, show at 1pm. $10 at the door gets you five great bands plus food from Black Bear Bakery AND a bbq and cheap drinks! There is no better way to spend a Saturday afternoon, period.

The lineup:

1PM- Beth Bombara & the Robotic Foundation

2PM- Foundry Field Recordings (Columbia, MO)

3PM- Sleepy Kitty

4PM- The Blind Eyes

5PM- Tight Pants Syndrome

7/26 UPDATE: New article on the Pop Luck at Metromix!

7/26 UPDATE #2: More coverage courtesy of Speakers In Code!

7/29 UPDATE: New article from the Riverfront Times!

7/29 UPDATE #2: Eleven Magazine weighs in!

See you there!

Indie Rock Ice Cream Social

2010-07-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to everyone who came out last weekend to make the 2010 Indie Rock Ice Cream Social a totally awesome dance party! Check out some great pictures from the event here and a nice writeup here.

And, of course, big thanks to the other bands (The Breaks, Wyoming Street, and Union Tree Review) and the Firebird for hosting.

New Show Review Online

2010-06-30T08:56:00.001-07:00

Very cool article on the Riverfront Times Music Awards show at the Tap Room courtesy of examiner.com!

The highlight of the night was the winner of the Best Pop Band category. Calling the Blind Eyes ‘pop’ is a bit of a stretch as they do echo the pop artists of the 1960’s (one could easily get them mixed up with the Rolling Stones), but don’t quite fall into the pop genre that we have come to know today. Nonetheless their brand of indie music is upbeat and sweet sounding and is a highlight of the Saint Louis music scene.

Photos From 6/25 At Off Broadway

2010-06-28T08:24:00.001-07:00

A huge thanks to everyone that came out to Off Broadway for an amazing show this past Saturday! You chose little ol' us (and, of course, the immensely awesome Sleepy Kitty and the LIVERS) over such luminaries as Tool, Bret Michaels, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many more- and we appreciate it. Check out some great pics from the show here!

Blind Eyes Voted "Best Pop Band" In 2010 RFT Music Awards

2010-06-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you, St. Louis, for voting The Blind Eyes "Best Pop Band" in the 2010 Riverfront Times Music awards! We really appreciate the support. Big thanks to all the people at the RFT for making this event happen, and major props to all the other bands that were nominated in our category. All are as deserving of this award as anyone. Cheers to all of you and see you next year!

Seth, Matt, & Kevin

New "Modernity" Review Available Online

2010-06-01T10:58:00.001-07:00

Click here for a great new review of "Modernity" courtesy of Don't criticize the music on my iPod. It's MY iPod, or read below!

Shedding Some Light On The Blind Eyes

“We’re just a rock and roll band. We just want you to dance.”
- Matt Picker, drummer of The Blind Eyes

Like many of the other bands I’ve stumbled upon on MySpace…The Blind Eyes have a rather unique sound. I’ve heard one explanation of their sound that I totally agree with though: Frank Sinatra + The Jam = The Blind Eyes. For anyone who doesn’t know, The Jam were an English alternative punk rock group from the 70’s….you might know their song “That’s Entertainment”. Yes, they have an interesting sound, one that immediately convinced me that I should get my hands on their debut album Modernity.

The Blind Eyes are just a group of guys from St. Louis that love to play music. They told me that the band is really all about having a good time and everything else is just icing on the cake. The Blind Eyes used to all be in a different band together but that fizzled out and after a while the three of them got together and started writing the songs that would eventually become Modernity.

Modernity opens with the song that made me want to get this album, “January”. I remember listening to this track back in April, when spring was finally starting and that was a good thing because “January” is all about spring, surprisingly. Lead vocalist Seth Porter sings “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!” through the chorus. Their track “Forget About Everything” immediately reminds me of The Clash, with its quicker, more urgent and English punk-sounding chorus being shouted by bassist Kevin Schneider: “Forget about everything that you ever believed in!!!” The Clash similarities continue on their shuffling, rollicking song about life in the city, “The High Life”. The slow groove of “A New Original” is great change of pace as Porter sings about trying to write a song that would “stand the test of time.” One of my favorite songs on this album was undoubtedly the closer “Go Right Now”. I really can’t help but sing along with the chorus as Porter shouts that you should “crawl before you walk before run before you fly, wink before you think before you go before you try; times not up I’m starting to think that nothing’s gonna happen unless I go right now!”

To sum up The Blind Eyes for you: they’re a great power-pop band. They cite their major influences as being Elvis Costello, The Clash, The Jam and Thin Lizzy…a veritable Who’s Who of English power-pop and mod-punk. Their album Modernity is great to work out to or to listen to when the sun is finally starting to come out. I highly recommend you check out The Blind Eyes, you won’t be disappointed.

It's No "Windows Paint", But...

2010-05-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

The Sleepy Kitty folks are hard at work on an amazing poster for the June 26th show at Off Broadway. Here's a sneak peek...

Live Footage From KDHX Online Now

2010-05-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

Some footage of the Blind Eyes' live set on KDHX's "Space Parlour Live" series is now on Youtube. Go check it out!

Blind Eyes Nominated "Best Pop Band" 2010

2010-05-03T14:50:00.001-07:00

The Blind Eyes have been nominated in the category of "Best Pop Band" in the 2010 Riverfront Times Music Awards!

The online ballot is up now, so go vote!

KDHX Live Set- Streaming Audio Available

2010-04-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Missed out on our recent live set on KDHX's Space Parlour Live series? Fret not, for it is available online- with a few bonus songs that didn't air! Go check it out! Video from the studio of a few songs will also be posted soon.

Jam Of The Day

2010-04-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

The Blind Eyes' "January" has been designated today's "Jam of the Day" by the good people over at Speakers in Code! An MP3 is available along with a great review. Go give it a listen!

PlaybackSTL Show Review

2010-04-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

A great review of Wednesday night's show at the Firebird is up now on PlaybackSTL!

The Blind Eyes took the stage first and got the already good-sized crowd more than fired up. This is one of the tightest local bands – guitarist/vocalist Seth Porter, bassist/vocalist Kevin Schneider and drummer Matt Picker work together like a well-oiled machine, ripping through catchy indie rock-power pop tunes like “January,” “Go Right Now,” and “The High Life” from their 2009 release Modernity and closing their set with a killer new tune called “Hold Down the Fort,” which Picker tells me will be released on their upcoming album, due in late summer.

Read the rest of it here!

Pics From The Firebird, 4/7

2010-04-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

A few shots from last night's show at Firebird:

Tomorrow Night At The Firebird

2010-04-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder- in case you didn't already know- that we are playing a show tomorrow night at the Firebird!

"But it's on a Wednesday!", you say. "We have to work the next morning!"

Well, so do we. But we can honestly say that THIS show is worth a little a.m. grogginess on Thursday. For never in history has there been a more awesome Wednesday night lineup: Atlanta's legendary BLACK LIPS, Omaha's BOX ELDERS, and St. Louis' BLIND EYES!

Whew. We almost had our socks rocked off by just proofreading that last paragraph! Luckily Kevin's socks are held firmly in place by a pair of his dad's old sock-suspenders, and Seth rarely wears socks (or underwear).

Details:
Wed 4/7
The Firebird
Doors: 8:30 pm / Show: 9:00 pm
18+ ($12.00 - $14.00)
Advance tickets available

Hope to see you there.
Love,
tBE

Just Announced: May 14th At The Wedge

2010-03-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

Just announced: The Blind Eyes and the Hibernauts at The Wedge in South St. Louis on Friday, May 14th!

We highly recommend that, if you want to see the show, you get there early. The Wedge is small and will fill up very fast.

Friday, May 14th
The Wedge
442 Bates St.
$5/21+

Next Show: April 7 W/ Black Lips

2010-03-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Never in history has there been a more awesome lineup of three bands who's names all start with "B". Witness history on April 7th at the Firebird, when Atlanta's BLACK LIPS, Omaha's BOX ELDERS, and St. Louis' BLIND EYES rock together for the first and probably only time!

Wednesday April 7

The Firebird

Doors: 8:30 pm / Show: 9:00 pm

18+ ($12.00 - $14.00)

Advance tickets available here

Be sure to RSVP on our Facebook page!

Blind Eyes News, March 1st

2010-03-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Happy March! Happy almost-spring! Just a quick few notes to bring you up to speed on what is happening:

First off, thanks to everyone who came out to the Firebird this past Saturday for the Elsinore/We Landed On The Moon show! What a great time. Awesome bands and amazing crowd. It gets no better, and we appreciate it.

Secondly, the cat is officially out of the bag: The Blind Eyes will be playing alongside the one and only Black Lips and Box Elders on April 7th at the Firebird! This should be a totally insane show that you really should not miss.

In the meantime, we will be doing a live set and interview on KDHX for Space Parlour on March 11th. It should air around 9, so tune in! We'll be playing a few songs from our upcoming album as well as some old favorites.

More shows, album news, and lots more coming soon!

Saturday Night At The Firebird

2010-02-26T07:56:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to remind you that we will be playing tomorrow night at the Firebird with our pals Elsinore and We Landed On The Moon! It'll be an amazing show that you should not miss. Plus, the price of admission gets you a totally FREE digital download of Elsinore's "Chemicals" EP!

This is our first time at the Firebird in a good long while, so it'd be great to see all your smiling faces.

Saturday, Feb 27

the Firebird- 2706 Olive St

Doors 8:30/Show 9

18+/ $8 at the door ($2 minor surcharge)

The Blind Eyes "In The Studio" RFT Feature

2010-02-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-09T10:57:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-04T08:27:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-29T10:38:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-25T14:18:00.001-08:00

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

2010-01-21T08:47:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-23T08:11:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-15T14:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-02T20:25:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-30T09:17:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-17T08:59:00.001-08:00

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

2009-11-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-11-05T09:44:00.000-08:00

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

Modernity Now Available On Amazon

2009-10-27T08:49:00.000-07:00

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

Firebrand Recording Showcase Update

2009-10-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-19T07:40:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-16T06:52:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

...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

2009-10-07T11:26:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T15:17:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-14T10:58:00.001-07:00

What're you waiting for? Go download it!