Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
When we finally allow our mind to observe what has always been staring us straight in the face it either comes as a complete shock or the awe that is captured is one in which the rest of our lives is made more assured, more open to the truth and less susceptible to the arrogance of lies that get underneath the skin like dead wood; Our Eyes Will See always want they want to see, it takes understanding to change the view and the perspective that has always rigidly been adhered too.
The release of a debut album is the realisation of the moment when the eyes finally see beyond the narrowness of others’ intentions and when the player gets to stretch the muscles, the act of widening the field of vision, knowing that the dream that was always in full colour when the eyes were firmly closed is now at hand and the visual representation, the scheme, the first part of the map is unfolded and the glare of the future is bright. It is a vision that comes from the hearts of the Wicked Splinters and their seismic unveiling of Our Eyes Will See.
The influences of the album range across the board, from Americana through to Blues, melodic introspection and the urge to release the founding stone that comes with Noir-ish tales brought to life, and yet it is in this heady mix of constant discerning scrutiny that songs such as the opening track, Morning Tea In Annecy, Bitter Taste, Fight Song, the superb Raised To Love, Acid Tongue and Ceylon, the Wicked Splinters fulfil more than just showing off a love they have created, proud in their endeavour, they have created awareness and the conversation of banishing ignorance.
It is a mighty step taken when we first allow the truth of our soul to bask in what we truly see, that we see the tapestry as a glorious celebration of art but also that we appreciate the other side with all its needlepoint and cross stitching attached; to see the complexity of styles merging before us is to know that we are awake and enjoying the scene, that our senses are alive to every fragment possible.
Wicked Splinters release their debut album, Our Eyes Will See via Maniac Squat Records, on Friday 3rd May 2019.
Ian D. Hall