Idle Eyes shares their Bitter Work

Idle Eyes shares their Bitter Work

by rick olivares

Australian melodic hardcore band Idle Eyes played their first ever international gig in Manila last week at Mow’s courtesy of indie promoter Sleeping Boy Collective.

“(Singapore hardcore band) False Plaintiff (who they were with touring Southeast Asia) are sort of our best friends having played with them around Australia for a while now. We hung out and shared some beers and bonded over music as well.  They asked us if we wanted to do shows in their backyard and we agreed,” said Idle Eyes vocalist Shah Latip. 

The band was also celebrating the first year anniversary of their powerful debut album, Bitter Work, that in this writer’s opinion, can stand nicely to any Touche Amore and Pianos Become the Teeth album.

“Most of the lyrics were written during a difficult time in my life when my family was falling apart and I was stuck not knowing what to do,” added Latip. “Writing about what was going on gave me an opportunity to get everything off my chest. ‘Bitter Work’ – that bassist Alex Barley came up with for a song title -- was something I had to do and it was almost bittersweet.”

Bitter Work, that the band self-released, pummels the listener with 11 powerful songs that ease on the gas pedal once in a while to allow the raw emotions some repose after which the band launches into a new barrage of ferocity. 

“The moments when we ease off on the pedal are where we want those words and emotions you felt to sink in; a momentary pause for reflection,” noted guitarist Alex Kaw.

It is the band that also takes stock of where they are in the calm before the storm at Mow’s.

Idle Eyes are caught off guard that they do have fans outside their native Perth (they will be playing in Malaysia and Singapore in this short tour). “These songs were written not only for us, but a close circle of friends,” pointed out drummer Max Taylor. “When we hear from people from other countries, it comes as a surprise because we really don’t expect much. It is a pleasant surprise to have fans across the globe.”

“And that is why we are excited for this tour,” added guitarist James Langlands. “It isn’t only for the experience, but also meeting the fans and seeing what it is like out there. No doubt, this experience will find its way into our next work.”

Although it was a lean Thursday crowd at Mow’s, Idle Eyes made sure they didn’t slacken one iota on the intensity. 

“The songs were written over a two-year period and a year after the album was released, they mean a bit differently to us now,” summed up Latip. “We sing them a bit differently now also because we are different form when we first recorded this music. the songs were written during a dark period in my life and this has helped me cope and move on.”

“The best part of making this music, coming to the Philippines and talking to the fans – and I am sure we will also have the same experience in Malaysia and Singapore – is hearing from the fans how much the music means to them.”

“It makes the Bitter Work all worth it.”