Published on Jan 2, 2001
Eyes Of Pandora is a Miami-based band who are not what they may
seem to be on the surface. Going into this disc, I fully expected
to hear a progressive-based band who maybe called upon the spirits
of some similar-veined metal bands with even a touch of Celtic
influences.
Boy, was I wrong – and I’m thrilled to say that. This group, led
by vocalist Susan Tojo, reminds me of the glory days of acts like
October Project – bands with a strong female vocal presence who
weren’t afraid to rewrite the rules of rock music to fit their own
needs. Simply put, this disc smokes anything I’ve heard in a long
time.
Unlike the aforementioned October Project, Eyes Of Pandora
aren’t afraid to tackle some less heady subjects, as on “1969”.
Yes, it is still a song that will make the listener think, but it
doesn’t necessarily challenge the listener to approach the song on
a different mental level. Instead, the band allows the listener to
take their music and words at face value and derive from them
whatever they choose. I like that kind of flexibility in my music,
and Eyes Of Pandora do not disappoint.
Everything about this disc seems to work in the group’s favor,
from the excellent production sound (thanks to Eric Alexandrakis –
yeah, I know that won’t make up for what Duke said about his CD a
few months ago, but I’ll give credit where credit is due) to the
absolute mastery of the musicians who share in this. My only
criticism in this regard would be that I’d like to hear guitarist
Robert Gueits let loose with solos more often; when he does, the
mood is elevated significantly. Special mention should be made
regarding bassist Carlos Gutierrez’s work, which is rightfully
brought to the forefront on more than one occasion.
Yet something in the back of my head keeps telling me that even
this CD is not a perfect indication of what this band is capable
of. If that’s the case, then their next disc should floor me from
the moment I take the shrinkwrap off.
Tracks such as “Rosemary Says,” “Damaged” and “Factory City” all
suggest that
Eyes Of Pandora is a debut effort worthy of more than mere
praise. Instead, this suggests the birth cries of a group who are
much better than the mere classification of “rock” or “pop”… and
whose independence might hurt them.
I’m not saying in the least that they should become a
cookie-cutter band – indeed, that would be the worst move they
could make. It’s just that many people – consumers, programmers,
label execs – don’t like to take chances with something that
doesn’t fit the pre-programmed patterns they’re used to. For those
who don’t answer the challenge, they’ll never know what they’re
missing. Those who dare to listen closely to this disc will realize
just how damned good it is.
Eyes Of Pandora is a disc that should knock you off your
feet and leave you wanting more. Eyes Of Pandora is a group who are
more than deserving of your time, money and attention. Here’s
hoping the right people wake up from their cappucino-induced comas
and give them a fighting shot at the big time. Lord knows they’ve
proven that they’re deserving of it.