Whether you're talking about the band's all black outfits, song titles like "Day We Died" or lyrics like "You're the tear that burns my great mistake", American Eyes could easily be a stereotypical, dime-a-dozen emo band.
For the most part, they are; but there are moments on this EP where they manage to break away from the stereotype.
And Just a Bit More
The lyrics are mostly plaintive emo ballads (a choice moment is in "Knife Fight With a Girl (A True Story)", when vocalist David Henry pours his heart out with the lyrics "I'll find a way to leave, to run, to hide/ I'll catch up with you if it breaks this heart of mine"). Fortunately, the band's music manages to lift them a notch above the emo pack.
While most of the music does sound like American Eyes were influenced by post-punk revival bands like the Faint and the Killers, songs like "Telephone Wires" and "Day We Died" actually mix in a sound that draws heavily from late '80s/early '90s club songs by bands like Erasure. It may contradict the angst of the lyrics, but it's more fun to listen to than your average emo vocalist whining about love gone wrong.
The club hit comparison is further helped along by a guest appearance. "Day We Died" is a collaboration with Curt Smith of Tears for Fears. The song adds even more club-kitschiness to the EP.
The finished product is neither too terrible nor too boring. The blend of emo lyrics, post-punk music and club hit beats is an odd combo. At its core, Never Trust Anything That Bleeds may be melodramatic emo music performed by boys with broken hearts, but at least you can dance to it.
