New ‘Women’ Single- “Eyesore”

Women/ Public Strain/ Album Release- September 28, 2010

At about six and a half minutes long, the new single off of Women’s due to be released album Public Strain sits on a different plane than the punchy bass driven brevity of, let’s say, “Group Transport Hall.” But upon listening to “Eyesore,” you can still hear the rusty pop playfulness that made “Black Rice” an instant marker on their 2008 self-titled debut on Flemish Eye (a Canadian label whose artists also include genius song-writer and artist Chad Vangaalen-check out his stuff, it’s fantastic!)

After a couple of years touring, the four-piece from Alberta, Canada hit the studios to create a sophomore album that “cycles through insomnia, paranoia, resignation and euphoria.” Perhaps not so much moody as inwardly pensive, Women beckons you to get lost in the repetitive sequences of guitar, bass, cello and somewhat lethargic vocals. “Eyesore” illustrates such wavering emotion with tactful repetition and building of sound, which is countered by moments of swift subtlety and emphatic pauses. The track really shines about midway with a heartfelt groove that continually builds through a state of reverb-drenched urgency, only fading into instrumental clarity once the climax is met.

Though not immediately sold upon first listen, it’s the nooks and turns of this track that have me listening to it time and time again. Can’t wait to see what the rest of the album has in store.

Listen to “Eyesore” here.

-Tiffany Ortiz