Concert Review: Look Alive! Early Eyes Comes Home
By: Margi Mosbeck-Morrison
Wrapping up a late winter into early spring twenty-two date long tour across the United States, indie-alternative group Early Eyes returns home to Minneapolis, MN. Their homecoming was located at the Fine Line Music Cafe on a balmy March 29th evening. Fine Line is one of many venues in the area where the local music scene is fostered and cared for. Kicking off the night at dusk with other Minneapolis-based artists Anita Velveeta, Huhroon, and Kate Malanaphy in a similar style of sounds, the crowd’s energy seeped with anticipation. The stage was set for the array of genres Early Eyes encapsulates.
Photo: Margi Mosbeck-Morrison
Starting the set off with “Coin Laundry", the room filled with cool-toned lights, peculiar synths, and a roar of cheers from the crowd. The second song of the set was a surprise to us all, as Ren Berglove, front-person and keys of the five-piece collective, introduced an unreleased song. They also noted that the rest of the set was mostly music we had yet to hear. As the band exits their 2022 Look Alive! era, they gave their hometown a sneak peek into the future of Early Eyes.
Photo: Margi Mosbeck-Morrison
“Figure Drawing”, their newest single with hyper-pop influences, electrified the crowd towards the latter part of the beginning of the set. A friend of the band joined the stage for interpretive dancing, and gave physical life to the track. More unreleased music followed into the middle of the night. There were nothing but closed eyes, head nods to the beat of the music, and wide smiles as the show went on.
When the first chords of their hit song “Marigolds" struck mid-way through the set, the buzz of the crowd intensified. The room turned into a chorus as everyone, including myself, sang along to the well-known lyrics. A dance party followed, as the track is an upbeat indie-pop funky-bassline infused track with hints of jazz. The set rounded out with an unreleased track involving lead vocals from bassist Meg Mahoney; their voice entranced everyone in the room as they plucked away to the melody. The encore involved the band’s friend interpretive dancing once more to “Penelope”, as reverbed electric guitar and a groovy drum pattern echoed throughout the room. Good vibes were emitted everywhere as people came together to laugh, hug one another, and head bang in-synch.
As the house lights turned on, signifying the end of the show, the love for one another built throughout the night in the Fine Line was palpable. Waves of people who felt alive made their way to the merch table to show their support, as well as personally welcome the band home. A memorable show to look back on, jam-packed with community and supporting local artists, awaited those leaving the venue.
View Margi’s full gallery here.