Eye Alaska (Official Thread)

[firecrackaaa!]

I'm not sure how there was no thread for these guys yet. They are absolutely the best.

Thoughts?

[Trauma Caspian]

I love these guys, saw them a couple weeks ago for the Lydia and Brave Citizens show. Eye Alaska were really fun to talk to and not to mention they put on such a great show both with music and how they perform. There new album is very good, I am honestly surprised at how many people like these guys after they just hear a couple songs seeing as not alot of bands are in the "Cinematic Rock" genre that Eye Alaska is in.

[firecrackaaa!]

Bump? There must be more fans now that Genesis Underground is out.

[Laur3l]

Bump? There must be more fans now that Genesis Underground is out.

nooo! i LOVE these guys

[firecrackaaa!]

Aw, I'm glad :) Have you seen them live?

[cshadows2887]

They're a band I feel like has blindingly brilliant moments and some rather misguided ideas too. Their potential has me very excited though. I adored the EP, and love quite a bit of Genesis, but there are some ideas on the full-length that fall a bit flat for me. And is he still sporting that rat-tail and backpack on stage? Because that was rather unfortunate.

"Roll Right Over" is my jam though.

[firecrackaaa!]

What songs didn't you like on GU?

Hahaha. The rat tail is definitely unfortunate. It's not as bad as it was but I think he still has it. I don't mind the backpack.

[cshadows2887]

See now that I'm on the spot song titles are evading me. But more or less any song on GU with a guest rapper. Why when you have a voice like his would you settle for trading rhymes with unknown rappers on your own songs? It just seems awkward to me.

[firecrackaaa!]

Hmm, yea, that makes sense. Brandon listens to a lot of rap. His whole thing is making music that doesn't fit just one genre, so I think he wanted to incorporate that style but didn't think he could do it himself.

[cshadows2887]

Yeah. I thought they bridged genres pretty well on the EP. The opener is epic atmosephere-rock(especially live) and they they do some straight up 80's slow jam-meets-Simply Red tracks like "Roll Right Over." I just think he's an awkward MC. When your lyrics are lightweight, singing them emotively can disguise them. But spoken, there's no camouflage.

[firecrackaaa!]

You think their lyrics are lightweight?

*Not objecting, just curious. I don't know many people that listen to them and I'm extremely biased so I like to hear people's opinions on them haha.

[cshadows2887]

Yes I do. For the most part they're just pleasantly inoffensive. Nothing great, nothing embarassing. And he sings the everliving shit out of them, so you don't notice because they sound EPIC. But occasionaly there are songs like "Cheetah and the Tiger" that are really embarassingly silly.

I don't even mean to be ripping on them. I really like Eye Alaska. Their lyrics just aren't their strongest point for me. They do a lot of other things well.

[firecrackaaa!]

Hahaha. Yea. Cheetah and the Tiger was the first Eye Alaska song, and they were transitioning from a Christian screamo band into the new sound so that sound is kind of random. But it's fun. I can see where you're coming from about the lyrics on some songs, but not on others.

Yea, I figured.

[cshadows2887]

To be fair, I haven't given the new record close lyrical scrutiny. I sort of formed my opinions off the EP. Any songs in particular that you think I should pay closer lyrical attention to?

[firecrackaaa!]

I think All Hail the High Sea and My Soul, My Surrender are the most interesting lyrically.

[cshadows2887]

I'll definitely give them a closer listen in T-minus about 2 minutes. Currently watching Simon and Garfunkel be old on HBO's R&R Hall of Fame concert. Once I hear Art Garfunkel belt out the end of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," my attention will be sole province of Eye Alaska. Which may or may not make me musically schizophrenic.

[firecrackaaa!]

Bridge Over Troubled Water is a great song. And musical schizophrenia is probably the greatest thing in the world. :) So it's all good.

[cshadows2887]

Haha. Glad to know I'm not the only one. I butt heads with tunnel-vision music fans all the time. And holy shit that song gave me goosbumps. Art Garfunkel still brings it harder than any grandpa in a hawaiian shirt with a mini-fro has a right to. Because I know you were so curious about that.

As for those two songs, good call. They're actually quite good lyrics. Which just puts him even more all over the spectrum for me now. I tend to miss songs around the 3/4 mark of longer albums, so those kind of slipped through the cracks when I listened before. Gracias for the rec. "My Soul, My Surrender" is especially mind-bogglingly awesome.

[firecrackaaa!]

I listen to pretty much all types of music so I understand. I can't stand people that only listen to one or two genres. And, hahaha, "grandpa in a hawaiian shirt with a mini-fro". Fantastic.

You're welcome. I think his lyrics are sometimes cryptic which makes them kind of hard to relate to. But he's a great writer. I think his lyrics were more prominent in some of the old band's songs as opposed to Eye Alaska's. But I'm really interested in seeing what their next album is going to be like.

[cshadows2887]

Agreed. Wholeheartedly. I get really bored of a genre if I listen to it too much. Lately I've been juggling Lights, Taylor Swift, Nick Drake, Evaline and Sam Cooke. I'm sure next week will be a whole new list. Glad to hear there are oter broad-minded fans around.

And yeah their potential really excites me. I'm looking forward to new music from them.

What was his old band btw? Did they ever have any official releases?

[firecrackaaa!]

You listen to Taylor Swift? I love you.

His old band was called Dead Letter Diaries. They had three EPs, but the band wasn't very big. I think there is still music on their PureVolume page. Brandon's voice sounds different though. A lot of better in Eye Alaska.

[Jake Denning]

It ain't nothing wrong with some Eye Alaska here and there.

[cshadows2887]

Hmm. I'll have to check them out. You've been a fan of them since way back huh?

And yeah. I love Miss Swift. I've been absolutely wearing out Fearless for the last month or two. And the new piano version of "Forever and Always" is especially my jam. I've always had a soft spot for female fronted pop and Fearless is just overflowing with perfect songs. May or may not have covered "Breathe" before as well.

[firecrackaaa!]

Mhmm. They're from the same city as me. (Not SF but back home) I've been listening to Brandon and Cameron's music for about six years or so.

She is one of my favorites. I love country music, haha. I wanna hear your cover! Did you record it?

[cshadows2887]

Oh wow. Gotta respect that dedication.

I'm very picky with my country, but what I like I love. The Wreckers are another huge favorite of mine.

And yeah, it's recorded. It's a pretty barebones recording. Maybe I'll add it to my myspace tonight. I haven't put something new up in awhile.

[firecrackaaa!]

Ah, The Wreckers are awesome too. I love Michelle Branch. I listen to a ton of country, that's all my mom listens to so that's the first music I got into when I was little.

Add it and send me a link!

[cshadows2887]

Ah, The Wreckers are awesome too. I love Michelle Branch. I listen to a ton of country, that's all my mom listens to so that's the first music I got into when I was little.

Add it and send me a link!

Nice. My family went through a big country phase in the 90's, so I still dig Garth Brooks and Mary Chapin Carpenter. And a little Hal Ketchum. Oh and of course Johnny Cash. Basically anything that isn't about beer, trailers and tractors. Haha.

And I put it up. I had to decide whether to take down a 4 year old original or my Akon cover so I could add it. Which was kind of a tough decision. Haha. Let me know if you dig it/despise it. : )

www.myspace.com/chrismcleary (http://www.myspace.com/chrismcleary)

[xJesusFreakx]

I thought the album as a whole was relatively dull, at least compared to what I was expecting and hoping for, but "Walk Like a Gentleman" was my summer jam. I love that song so much. I actually liked the hip hop influences and cameos, though. I still have relatively high hopes for whatever they do next.

[firecrackaaa!]

Dull? Were you basing your expectations on the EP or just Walk Like A Gentleman?

[xJesusFreakx]

I enjoyed the EP and liked "Walk Like a Gentleman" even more.

Maybe my biggest issue was with the album's mediocre (relatively speaking) lyrics. "Walk Like a Gentleman" is fun while still retaining some level of substance, and I feel like much of the album leans more so to the fun end of the spectrum. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I may have liked it more if a song like "Show Me DaLuv" had been my first introduction to the band. After all, I'm a big Toby Mac fan, and he's probably comparable in that regard. More than anything, I just expected one thing and got another.

[miketheauthor]

This band is rad. Their EP is awesome. And it makes me want to dance.

[firecrackaaa!]

I enjoyed the EP and liked "Walk Like a Gentleman" even more.

Maybe my biggest issue was with the album's mediocre (relatively speaking) lyrics. "Walk Like a Gentleman" is fun while still retaining some level of substance, and I feel like much of the album leans more so to the fun end of the spectrum. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, and I may have liked it more if a song like "Show Me DaLuv" had been my first introduction to the band. After all, I'm a big Toby Mac fan, and he's probably comparable in that regard. More than anything, I just expected one thing and got another.

Hmm, I see what you mean. They tend to jump around a lot stylistically, but I think that's how they want it.

This band is rad. Their EP is awesome. And it makes me want to dance.

:) Fantastic.

[PengusNiugnep]

I love what I've heard, but I've only heard about half of Genesis Underground. I have the rest, I just haven't had time to listen...but I will.

[firecrackaaa!]

I love what I've heard, but I've only heard about half of Genesis Underground. I have the rest, I just haven't had time to listen...but I will.

You definitely should.

You live on Haight? Haha.

[Jake Denning]

I'd say my favorite EA track would be Good To Go.

[PengusNiugnep]

You definitely should.

You live on Haight? Haha.
Nah, I just didn't have anything to put. haha

[firecrackaaa!]

Nah, I just didn't have anything to put. haha

Oh hahaha. Lame.

[PengusNiugnep]

Oh hahaha. Lame.
To be honest, I didn't know it was even a real street. xD

Also, I'm listening to American Landslide right now. :D

[firecrackaaa!]

To be honest, I didn't know it was even a real street. xD

Also, I'm listening to American Landslide right now. :D

Yes, it's a street in San Francisco, haha, that's why I asked. It's pretty famous.

Good song :)

[tstick18]

Love this band. I've seen them twice and they put on a great live show.

[Jake Denning]

I'm +1 for the Jonny Craig/Eye Alaska/Mod Sun show in Portland on Saturday @ Satyricon; I actually wouldn't mind a date to this show, so girls 18+ PM me if you are interested.

[cshadows2887]

This thread getting bumped has made my next selection for late-night listening. "Just roll right over..."

Also I met one of my fav people on the planet because of this band, so big ups.

[showmethefever]

This thread getting bumped has made my next selection for late-night listening. "Just roll right over..."

Also I met one of my fav people on the planet because of this band, so big ups.
http://www.radioplanet.tv/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/bigups_med-300x300.jpg

[MeegieMELTDOWN]

Eventually I'll check these guys out. Chase is Dustin Kensrue's brother, and Thrice is one of my favourite bands soooo.... what songs should I check out first?

[aradiantsunrise]

I Knew You'd Never Fly, Roll Right Over, A Storm in the Child's Fountain, American Landslide, Miles Don't Mean Anything and All Hail the High Sea are my personal favorites.

Maybe you should just check out their EP first called Yellow & Elephant, makes a good preview to the full length so if you like that, you'll like the full length.

[xJesusFreakx]

Yeah, since the last time this thread was alive, their full length has grown a lot on me. It's just really fun music that usually isn't meant to be taken too seriously. Also, "Walk Like a Gentleman" is still awesome.

[geebee889]

I dig this band. Working at Pacsun, I know some peeps from Arbor Place mall, which is where they did one of the in-stores during the Pactour. They definitely did an awesome job and were super awesome dudes. Brandon and I had a lovely conversation about the joys of vinyl, haha.

[cshadows2887]

I listened to their EP again last night at 3am or so. It's a wonderful late-night record. Especially "Roll Right Over."

[geebee889]

I listened to their EP again last night at 3am or so. It's a wonderful late-night record. Especially "Roll Right Over."


I'm listening to it right now before turning in. I love it.

[cshadows2887]

I'm listening to it right now before turning in. I love it.

It's too bad the 2nd half of it isn't as mind-numbingly awesome as the first 3 songs.

[xJesusFreakx]

8nUfMgLioDs

Never ceases being rad.

[geebee889]

It's too bad the 2nd half of it isn't as mind-numbingly awesome as the first 3 songs.


Dang, I know! I'm only on the second song right now, so we're good, haha. What do you think about the full length?

[cshadows2887]

Dang, I know! I'm only on the second song right now, so we're good, haha. What do you think about the full length?

There are some amazing songs, but some that feel like mistakes. The more hip-hop ones are a bit awkward. But stuff like "Miles Don't Mean Anything," "American Landslide" and "Walk Like a Gentleman" is fantastic. There's almost nowhere you can get this blend of 80's, R&B and scene music. It's great.

Plus "Roll Right Over" needs to be on any romantic playlist.

[geebee889]

There are some amazing songs, but some that feel like mistakes. The more hip-hop ones are a bit awkward. But stuff like "Miles Don't Mean Anything," "American Landslide" and "Walk Like a Gentleman" is fantastic. There's almost nowhere you can get this blend of 80's, R&B and scene music. It's great.

Plus "Roll Right Over" needs to be on any romantic playlist.


I agree completely. I definitely enjoy the full length a lot, and I think they are definitely headed in the right direction.

And once again, I agree, haha.

[cshadows2887]

I agree completely. I definitely enjoy the full length a lot, and I think they are definitely headed in the right direction.

And once again, I agree, haha.

I just friended you for that. Haha.

Any girl who wants to hear "Roll Right Over" when getting amorous is OK in my book.

[geebee889]

I just friended you for that. Haha.

Any girl who wants to hear "Roll Right Over" when getting amorous is OK in my book.


Haha, woo!

That song is so fucking sexy...like...damn.

[xJesusFreakx]

I liked the hip hop influences on Genesis Underground. :-( They could have been executed better at times, but a lot of the album could have been executed better at times. As a whole, I think it worked really well with the other genre influences.

[cshadows2887]

Haha, woo!

That song is so fucking sexy...like...damn.

Agreed. Throw that, some Marvin Gaye, some Al Green and maybe Copeland's "The Day I Lost My Voice" into a playlist and you have a great night ahead of you.

[geebee889]

I liked the hip hop influences on Genesis Underground. :-( They could have been executed better at times, but a lot of the album could have been executed better at times. As a whole, I think it worked really well with the other genre influences.

It's not that I didn't like them, I just think that there were other moments that were much better. I really do like the whole thing, "Good to Go" was my jam for quite some time..

Agreed. Throw that, some Marvin Gaye, some Al Green and maybe Copeland's "The Day I Lost My Voice" into a playlist and you have a great night ahead of you.


It sure sounds like it, haha. Especially with Marvin Gaye, very nice choice.

[cshadows2887]

It sure sounds like it, haha. Especially with Marvin Gaye, very nice choice.

It's kind of sad that Marvin (and especially "Let's Get It On") has somehow become a joke now. It really is some of the sexiest music on the planet. But I feel like most people, if it came on, would crack up and be completley out of the mood. It's a waste of the best bootknockin' music on the planet.

Oh and "Good to Go" is also dope. Good pick. Glad you reminded me of it.

[geebee889]

It's kind of sad that Marvin (and especially "Let's Get It On") has somehow become a joke now. It really is some of the sexiest music on the planet. But I feel like most people, if it came on, would crack up and be completley out of the mood. It's a waste of the best bootknockin' music on the planet.

Oh and "Good to Go" is also dope. Good pick. Glad you reminded me of it.


It really is...the majority of his music is incredibly sexy, and I wish more people felt that way about it. And they most likely would, but I also feel like that has a lot to say about people today...they can't appreciate some sweet jams when they hear them.

We play "Good to Go" at work, and I think I'm the only person who actually likes it. I rock out to that song when it comes on, haha.

[cshadows2887]

It really is...the majority of his music is incredibly sexy, and I wish more people felt that way about it. And they most likely would, but I also feel like that has a lot to say about people today...they can't appreciate some sweet jams when they hear them.

We play "Good to Go" at work, and I think I'm the only person who actually likes it. I rock out to that song when it comes on, haha.

This conversation is making me happy. I am not alone. Haha. Glad someone else can appreciate sexy jams.

And the only Eye Alaska song I "rock out" to is prob "I Knew You'd Never Fly." That song has a decided tendency to make me dance around like a fool.

[firecrackaaa!]

This thread getting bumped has made my next selection for late-night listening. "Just roll right over..."

Also I met one of my fav people on the planet because of this band, so big ups.

Hehe :-d

And the only Eye Alaska song I "rock out" to is prob "I Knew You'd Never Fly." That song has a decided tendency to make me dance around like a fool.

:eyebrow: That's the only one?

[cshadows2887]

Hehe :-d



:eyebrow: That's the only one?

Yeah. Figured you'd see that eventually.

And yes. Their other songs are dance/groove songs. That's the only one I rock out to.

[geebee889]

This conversation is making me happy. I am not alone. Haha. Glad someone else can appreciate sexy jams.

And the only Eye Alaska song I "rock out" to is prob "I Knew You'd Never Fly." That song has a decided tendency to make me dance around like a fool.


No, you're definitely not! I just wish more people could appreciate the sexy jams...it's kind of sad...

That's a fantastic song for jamming to, haha. Oh, Eye Alaska, you make me smile!

[firecrackaaa!]

Yeah. Figured you'd see that eventually.

And yes. Their other songs are dance/groove songs. That's the only one I rock out to.

You're one of my favies too. ilu!

I guess that makes sense.

[Jake Denning]

saw Eye Alaska on saturday, immediately wanted to start caking on chicks when Roll Right Over was played, hoooooooly crap.

Brandon's swagger was full force, it was like "whats good baby? you got room for a baby in that body?". The most impressive person in that band is by far Chris, my jaw was on the floor the entire time from how good his bass playing was, easily the most talented bassist I have ever seen live next to the dude from As Blood Runs Black.

[aradiantsunrise]

What I would like to know is what the deal is with that brown backpack Brandon always has with him on stage, haha.

[firecrackaaa!]

saw Eye Alaska on saturday, immediately wanted to start caking on chicks when Roll Right Over was played, hoooooooly crap.

Brandon's swagger was full force, it was like "whats good baby? you got room for a baby in that body?". The most impressive person in that band is by far Chris, my jaw was on the floor the entire time from how good his bass playing was, easily the most talented bassist I have ever seen live next to the dude from As Blood Runs Black.

HAHAHA. I love it. He's not like that offstage at all.

What I would like to know is what the deal is with that brown backpack Brandon always has with him on stage, haha.

He wears it to remind him of home, so he doesn't forget where he comes from, and so he doesn't get too caught up with the fame they've been receiving lately.

[aradiantsunrise]

HAHAHA. I love it. He's not like that offstage at all.



He wears it to remind him of home, so he doesn't forget where he comes from, and so he doesn't get too caught up with the fame they've been receiving lately.
That's really cool!

[xJesusFreakx]

That backpack thing seems pretty silly and gimmicky, but hey, I like silly, gimmicky stuff.

[GazzaAoA]

These are my boys. I just finished up a tour with them doing merch for another band and they are some of the most talented, cool, fun dudes I have ever met. So powerful live. If I could see one band play live every night for the rest of my life, it would easily be these dudes. Pick up Genesis Underground now!

[Cricket.]

I saw one of them on the real world -_-

[tyramail]

saw Eye Alaska on saturday, immediately wanted to start caking on chicks when Roll Right Over was played, hoooooooly crap.

Brandon's swagger was full force, it was like "whats good baby? you got room for a baby in that body?". The most impressive person in that band is by far Chris, my jaw was on the floor the entire time from how good his bass playing was, easily the most talented bassist I have ever seen live next to the dude from As Blood Runs Black.
hahah, that made me laugh. i ended up seeing owl city that night because i had tickets before eye alaska's show was announced :( but brandon showed up at the roseland and i talked to him so it made me feel a tad better haha.

[Jake Denning]

hahah, that made me laugh. i ended up seeing owl city that night because i had tickets before eye alaska's show was announced :( but brandon showed up at the roseland and i talked to him so it made me feel a tad better haha.

My question is, why did you even have tickets at all? You coulda PM'ed me and I would've guestlisted you for the EA show.

[tyramail]

My question is, why did you even have tickets at all? You coulda PM'ed me and I would've guestlisted you for the EA show.
i like owl city haha. and paper route was fantastic and definitely worth it.

[Jake Denning]

i like owl city haha. and paper route was fantastic and definitely worth it.

Owl City is easily one of the worst things i've ever heard in my life. That line was a sign America is going downhill, I mean, TENTS? HELLO, that show had been sold out for THREE MONTHS.

Next time this kid wants to tour, I will be purchasing 5 tickets and making bank. Scalping price was going for $60-80.

[tyramail]

Owl City is easily one of the worst things i've ever heard in my life. That line was a sign America is going downhill, I mean, TENTS? HELLO, that show had been sold out for THREE MONTHS.

Next time this kid wants to tour, I will be purchasing 5 tickets and making bank. Scalping price was going for $60-80.
haha, i'm not surprised. i was pretty shocked the show sold out so fast. but i don't think he is the worst :( haha

[cshadows2887]

haha, i'm not surprised. i was pretty shocked the show sold out so fast. but i don't think he is the worst :( haha

Owl City is really good. Forget the haters.

[evilandgood]

Oh shit I'm hella late on this thread but whatever ha

[liar23]

bumpity bump

[Kaku]

Well, I don't think they broke up, but some news about them would be appreciated. Not on tour, haven't at least heard that they are recording and no other news whatsoever.

I hope we get to hear from them soon and in a good way.

[Laur3l]

They are writing and soul searching. Brandon justs needs a break. He posts on his facebook.

Well, I don't think they broke up, but some news about them would be appreciated. Not on tour, haven't at least heard that they are recording and no other news whatsoever.

I hope we get to hear from them soon and in a good way.

[cshadows2887]

I really need new music from them.

[YouBlindMe]

If any band shouldnt have gone on a Hiatus. Its Eye Alaska. They are one of the most original and down to earth bands out there. Their Ep and full length are both none other than outstanding. They need to make new music and start touring again soon!

Favorite Songs:
I Knew You'd Never Fly
My Soul, My Surrender

[cwhit412]

Hmmm?

[Kaku]

They broke up. :(

31g0YE61PLQ

Edit:

http://www.facebook.com/eyealaska/posts/252076521501961

[paperlung]

NOOOOO really? did they leave a statement or anything?

[YouBlindMe]

Worst news I've heard since EOTC break up. EA will always be my favorite band.

[xJesusFreakx]

Honestly, it's about time. They've been essentially dead for a while now. It's a shame because I think they had potential as far as pop music goes, but I'd rather they call it quits than one or two members recreate the project with different people and not have that same potential anymore.