“…
Ex Eye can forge new expressions at the crossroads of jazz and metal.” -
Pitchfork
"...take
a dive into what operatic, larger-than-life arrangements the complete album has
to offer." - Stereogum
"...extended,
sprawling compositional approach that lends it an overall massive feel. The
songwriting has depth and emotion, but it’s difficult to encapsulate in any one
simple way. Is it heavy? Absolutely. But beyond that trying to squeeze it into
any one category is futile. This is wild stuff." - Treble
EX
EYE makes music of power, control, motion and intention; music composed with
precise, clockwork intricacy and ecstatic abandon. It is hard, heavy music –
aggressive, cathartic, and thrilling. The instruments fluidly exchange roles;
melody, harmony, riff, engine, anchor, fuel.
Gathered
at renowned, experimental saxophonist Colin Stetson’s behest in 2016, EX EYE
consist of Stetson along with Greg Fox (Liturgy) on drums, Shahzad Ismaily
(Secret Chiefs 3, Ceramic Dog) on synths and Toby Summerfield on guitar. Upon
their formation, the group appeared at a series of prestigious festivals
including Roskilde Festival (Denmark),
Red Bull
Music Academy
(Montreal), CTM Festival (Germany), and
Eaux Claires Fest (US). Their
otherworldly live performances and hypnotically heavy rehearsal demos led to
their signing with Relapse Records.
Recorded
live at EX EYE member Shahzad Ismaily's Figure 8 Studios in Brooklyn, NY
(Blonde Redhead, Damien Rice, Okkervil River, Son Lux, Pussy Riot), the debut
showcases a band that is without question the sum of its parts, as each player
contributes not only their own particular technical prowess and expertise but
also their signature compositional character. EX EYE make incredibly complex yet
beautifully dramatic and emotive music which eclipses usual expectation of
style or genre and takes the listener on a cathartic, thrilling journey to
total transcendence. Listen to the album in its entirety today via Stereogum.
EX
EYE is on tour now, playing Sled Island (Calgary) today
then hitting Vancouver, Portland,
San Francisco and Los Angeles to follow. More live performances confirmed on the East
Coast in August - check out all tour dates below.
EX
EYE is: Colin Stetson - Alto & Bass Saxophones Greg Fox - Drums Shahzad
Ismaily - Synths Toby Summerfield - Guitar
EX
EYE Track Listing:
3. Anaitis Hymnal; The Akrose Disc
4. Form Constant; The Grid
EX
EYE Live performances:
August
16 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
August
17 Richmond, VA @ Strange Matter
August
18 Brooklyn, NY @ Saint Vitus
August
20 Portland, ME @ Space
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photo by: Scott Irvine
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