The Smother Party:Alec K. Redfearn and the Eyesores

Artist: Alec K. Redfearn and the Eyesores

Date Released: May 9, 2006

Label: North East Indie

Produced By: Alec K. Redfearn and Keith Souza

Tracklisting:
 * 1) Valse
 * 2) Choreboy and a Blowtorch
 * 3) Valse II
 * 4) Ginger Gin/Flight of the Sims
 * 5) The Way of All Flesh
 * 6) Litany
 * 7) Overhang
 * 8) Gutterhelmet Ascending

Review: Outside of Providence, RI, the name, Alec K. Redfearn, may not be the most recognizable amongst multi-talented musicians. Within the surprisingly active Providence art scene, Redfearn acts as a sort of Godfather, frequently dipping his broad painter’s brush into shades of music, theatre, dance, film and whatever other local project that may be happening for the last 15 years. He is most notable though for being the composer/singer/songwriter/accordionist for his band, Alec K. Redfearn and the Eyesores. Formed in 1997, the loose collective creates an addictive sound encompassing experimental Balkan/East European folk and indie-rock with slight tinges of no wave, cabaret, free jazz and goth rock. Throughout the album, Redfearn’s relentless accordion remains the main focal point; and at any time, he’s surrounded with electric guitar, upright bass, drums, cello, violin, French horn, alto sax, E-bow, glockenspiel, sparse electronics and a healthy dose of stomping. The songs have a very loose structure, rarely falling into any kind of verse/chorus/verse system, instead sounding very linear, which is only emphasized by Redfearn’s haunting voice and gothic storytelling-style lyrics. This is a very intriguing album that will initially leave you curious, but it’s a curiosity that will keep bringing you back for listen after listen until your thoroughly invested in the album. Mpardaiolo