Close Your Eyes is a hardcore project out of Abilene, TX who, from the looks of it, are taking the country by storm in promotion of their new album, We Will Overcome. I found it difficult to dig up a lot of info on these boys, but I’m assuming this is their first full length album released under Victory Records. I haven’t heard of them before now, so this is my first taste of this five piece self-proclaimed Christ core band; and I hoping they come out swinging because in light of the mediocre and bland I’ve been listening to lately, I need a boost.

Close Your Eyes definitely have a big sound. Their style is very full and anthemic with a lot of vocals and chants. They remind me a lot of Rise Against in that respect. They incorporate a lot of intricate guitar fills that are layered with heavily punk-influenced verses and choruses. They carry a lot of melody in their music and it has a very old school feel to it. These boys play music that they clearly enjoy; they seem to have a lot of fun with it and that shows in their songs. These boys are more punk rock than they are hardcore, but the mix is interesting and definitely energetic.

The album starts off with a high energy ballad, titled “A Proclamation,” which embodies every characteristic you want in a punk-core song, retaining that traditional rock ‘n’ roll verse-chorus form and 4/4 time signature. The vocals are aggressive and shouted more so than they are sung, which holds true to the punk rock style they possess.

The majority of their songs carry that same sound – simply put, their music is just straight forward, fast paced, in your face punk rock. Track 6, “Song For The Broken”, would of course be the exception to this. The song has a much stronger hardcore feel to it with a nice heavy walk to the guitars, more throaty calls, and a huge melody driven chorus. I thought it was a cool song. It was much slower than their other tracks but had a good feel to it; and whoever the screamer was in this track (be it Shane or Brett), they have a fantastic battle cry. If they were to venture more into the hardcore side, they could definitely carry the music well.

Their closer, “Arms Raised,” starts off with a steady chug that gives you a sense it’s going to be a huge song; and I’ll admit it was a fun little tune. I particularly like how the song gains momentum as it goes, getting faster and faster until they break into their flow and close out with a bang. It has a very old school punk rock feel to it that reminds me of my younger days.

You could pretty much define Close Your Eyes as a well put together punk band with an old school feel that is sure to take you back to your hay days. Fans of Rise Against and Anti Flag would be wise to give these boys a spin. I think they have a lot to offer this genre and I’m sure with the right amount of luck, they could be taking on some major contenders in no time at all. Normally, I’m not a big fan of punk rock but I had fun with We Will Overcome and will revisit this album, I’m sure. Like I said, I needed a boost and these guys have more energy than a toddler on a sugar rush. Cheers, guys! Job well done!

3.5/5