It seems strange that a band like Eyes Averted would end up having to self-release their debut album. Before Paralyzing Passion and Motion was completed, the band was abruptly dropped from their label. Why would this happen? What acceptable excuse could there possibly be? The technical, almost progressive, hardcore style the band embraces has reached a level of popularity that seems only inches away from the mainstream. At any rate, Eyes Averted has a solid, confident sound that should quickly catapult them into the limelight.
Comparable to The Dillinger Escape Plan or Converge, but with a slightly more upbeat delivery, Eyes Averted possess a naturally humble energy that translates into a raw and honest twenty-two minutes of music. There is no hidden meaning, no overly ambitious experimentation, and no time wasted. While an increasing number of bands are obsessively cramming nonsense into "concept" albums, Paralyzing Passion and Motion simply exists. Eyes Averted have given birth and immediately released their spawn into the cruel and unforgiving world of technical hardcore. This particular child is an imperfect product of desperate inspiration, a reflection of a moment in which music demands to be conceived and birthed immediately, with or without label backing.
All analogies aside, Paralyzing Passion and Motion is an anxious, unadulterated technical hardcore album. Its flaws (a slightly strained vocal performance and a few predictable changes here and there) are not enough to discount the urgency that makes it so inherently captivating. It is a perfect album for a new band in that it quickly establishes a sound and presents a concise collection of their offerings.
At this point, I'm still not sure if Eyes Averted has found a new home. To any record label types that may be reading this, I suggest snatching these guys up before someone else does. And I will say, "I told you so."
