Eyeless In Gaza
New Risen
((12) Cherry 63, May 27 1983, 7”/Ep12”)
Review 1
“New Risen” is certainly one of Eyeless in Gaza’s stronger compositions, with its non-wimp vocals, haunting backing and most importantly a tune that lingers a while after the record has been put back in it’s sleeve. One trusts that Mr. Becker and Mr. Bates will continue to make records in this quietly effective and affecting manner.
Review 2
NEW risen they certainly seem to be. Catchy, melodic, warm and sunny can this indeed be the Eyeless In Gaza we know and love? Up to now staunch devotees of a grating ambiguity, Eyeless have undergone a startling metamorphosis. The ugly duckling has turned into a swan. Can’t exactly see them in the charts yet … but it’s […].
Review 3
(17/6/83 Review Friday)
Sounding like a cross between SMOKEY ROBINSON and SOFT CELL, this isn’t your average chart hit. It carries a very strange beat which makes one sit up and listen more than the average pop single night.
Review 4
You won’t believe this one. Everything in the Eyeless armoury wrapped up with 60s time changes and delivered with soul (yes, soul!), melody and style.
I can even imagine it on the radio just let Peter Powell explain away that name then. It still retains the Gaza minimal approach fused with a splash of vocals which you can’t quite comprehend, but when you get to the chorus it’s a winner all the way.
Review 5
Interesting duo, Martyn Bates and Pete Becker from the Cherry Red stable. This is the most outstanding track from their album […].
Review 6
Nuneaton‘s finest haven’t exactly been renowned for the warmth and immediacy of their vinyl output to date, so this gently propulsive ditty must rank as their most commercial offering ever, although it doesn’t stand a snowball in hell’s chance […].
Review 7
For anyone who has witnessed Eyeless in Gaza live over the last 6 months or so, this song is an obvious choice for a (hit?)single from their set.
Live, it stuck out apart from the more familiar previous L.P. tracks and newer material. This is the most poppy song they’ve ever done, and the only thing to stop it entering the charts is lack of airplay and exposure, but perhaps (I think not somehow) chart success is not one of their main priorities.
Review 8