Review Summary: Victory succeeds in signing a new promising band.
8 of 8 thought this review was well writtenThere's nothing that can be said that hasn't been expected from the criticized label Victory Records. It appears for every good band they sign there is still more trash than treasure. In the latter, Victory strikes gold and proves perhaps someone behind the curtain has the capacity to dig up real break out talent. This is definitely the case when it comes to new comers Close Your Eyes, hailing from Abilene, Texas coming straight to a town near you.
The beginning eye opener comes from vocalist Shane Raymond’s phenomenal range. I was seriously beside myself at how such a scrawny kid could pack this massive of a punch. The band easily tramples other competitors by omitting out all the flaws of their predecessors. Guitarist Brett Callaway teamed up with Andrew Rodriguez shred both their instruments and expectations in a band of this caliber, with plenty of honorable surprises.
Behind the kit David Fidler exemplifies well-rounded skills without yawning filler. Bassist Sonny Vega brightly holds his own in creating pumping undertones for the albums best two-step and build-ups. Shane Raymond once again is a marvel that channels such a variety of influences. Throughout the album he conjures up Jonny Craig's clean ferocity then transforms into a raspy delivery of Andrew Neufeld proportions, yet keeping his own unique brand.
It's in this type of hybrid that Close Your Eyes stands on the edge. It’s rare that five kids of this imagery belt out such diverse inflections in this collective genre that pollutes with norms. The entire LP is riddled with a positive message that contains solid writing and eliminates the laugh factor so many others posses when trying to come across as meaningful. The only fault I have with the band is in between their powerful songs that blend a conscious medium between anthem driven hardcore is some of the preachy lyrics about their faith but the album is just too damn addicting to hold that against them.
Needless to say, We Will Overcome still succeeds in silencing stereotypes and building a promising career for the gang. From start to finish Close Your Eyes gives it all their heart in the demand to be taken seriously. When the band set out to prove their passion they truly created a stellar spectacle. Bravo lads.
