Album Review: The Heavy Eyes - Love Like Machines
Reviewed by Jon Wigg
'Love Like Machines' is the fourth album from Memphis based The Heavy Eyes. After a hiatus of 5 years, this slab of fuzz delivers what it says on the tin - psychedelic blues-rock based deeply in a 60’s/70’s sound. Made up of gravel voiced frontman/guitarist Tripp Shumake, guitarist and former engineer Matthew Qualls, bassist Wally Anderson and drummer Eric Garcia, the album is a fine example of the genre thanks to the tight riffing and in general, well constructed songs.
For comparison’s sake if you like early Queens of the Stone Age or Clutch, then there is a lot for you here. Tracks like ‘Hand of Bear’ and ‘God Damn Wolf Man’ also certainly owe a nod to the proto-metal bands and Black Sabbath especially with a Geezer Butler-like
bass line.
The album starts off in an odd fashion with a gently almost soporific opening on ‘Anabasis’ before a decent riff kicks in before, all too soon fading back to calmness. A good song but maybe not a great choice for an opener. The album really gets going with ‘Made for the Age’ which bangs along with a great riff and deep fuzz. ‘Late Night’ grooves along well as does ‘Bright Light’ in which Shumake’s vocals really drip the deep-South atmosphere.
‘A Cat Named Haku’ returns to the 60’s sound again and that walking bass line is back - definitely a track that does justice to a decent surround sound system or pair of headphones. The swinging guitar line accentuated with softer sections dominated by Anderson’s accomplished bass action really provides a highlight. ‘The Profession’ is straight out of the Clutch playbook and is a welcome addition of power and grunt. ‘Vera Cruz’ is softer and more psychedelic with definite Queens of the Stone Age influences. The fuzz is turned up to 11 for closer ‘Idle Hands’ which is another highlight.
Overall a very good listen, with well written songs and excellent performances throughout, and if you like your rock old-school and fuzzy, this is one to add to your collection.
