Lewd Acts finally release their debut full-length in the form of Black Eye Blues. And with their first long-player, the San Diego outfit makes good on all the promise of their early recordings. But in addition to their classic-hardcore inspired approach, we also get a few other musical nuances that showcase influences that weren't readily apparent on their previous recordings.
Black Eye Blues eases in with "Know Where to Go," a brooding introduction with mid-tempo pace - Alex Jacobelli's slow-churning riffs are of a Neurosis variety - while vocalist Tyler Densley picks at the scabs of his personal life. After the fairly toned down introduction, Lewd Acts blasts into action with "Wide Black Eyes." The minute and a half that comprise the song are fueled by a visceral fury of guitars, pummeling drums, earthquake-inducing bass, and the pissed off throat of Densley. This is easily the most volatile the band has been to date.
The "You Don't Need Me" / "I Don't Need You" tandem works as a call and response lyrically, further showcasing the reflective nature of Densley. Musically, they're fairly similar, though the later features a mid-song dropout with makes it way into a rock-infused segment. It's pretty rad but deep down I was hoping it'd be a "Suicide Note"-like juxtaposition
"Who Knew the Westcoast Could be So Cold" is another mid-tempo piece that draws on a post-metal vibe. Down-tempo drums, handclaps, and mild guitars are partnered with Densley's coarse spoken word. With songs like this Lewd Acts demonstrate they are much more than just a standard hardcore band. And while they are more than just that, songs like "Young Lovers, Old Livers" and "Rock Gut Charlie" harken back to the band's hardcore punk beginnings. These songs are high-octane and fast-paced. The guitars reach blazing speeds and they are matched by the intensity of the rhythm section and Densley's spewings.
Black Eye Blues concludes with "Nowhere to Go" much in the manner that it started. Slow, droney guitars and a rock-approached metal direction are teamed with the self-analytical musings of Densley as he delves inward, "Searching for meaning / In empty words / I have no hope / I have nowhere to go."
Lewd Acts has evolved their sound a lot since their first recordings. The band's current sound still echoes back to their hardcore punk roots, but they've also incorporated a host of varying influences into their repertoire. The final product that is Black Eye Blues is a great testimonial of what a band can become after year's of dedication to their craft. If you're an enthusiast of genuine underground music, you should own this album.
