The Houston indie rock pioneers Alien Eyelid resurface with "Flys," a single that serves as a roadmap of their evolving soundscape. Drawing from the band's indie rock, alt-country, and psychedelic roots, it's a clear step towards a more progressive and collaborative direction, showcasing the band's shared creativity while retaining the unique songwriting voice of Tyler Morris.
"Flys" arrives as a track from their third album, "Vinegar Hill," and immediately presents a band that is comfortable with expansion. Although Morris' songwriting has always been the backbone of Alien Eyelid, contributions from Brett Taylor, Will Adams, Justin Terrell, and new member Mlee Marie help shape the track into something that seems larger than any one person. The arrival of Mains, a fixture of the Houston studio scene, fills out the band, giving the record an ease and richness that wafts through all the tracks.
The single treads a beautiful line between classic Americana warmth and forward-thinking experimentalism. Its soundscapes evoke the desolation of desert towns and the surreal self-examination of psych-folk greats like Pearls Before Swine, with its placid exterior occasionally ruffled by traces of King Crimson's adventurous spirit blowing in the wind. That's a delicate balance to a song rooted in the grit and soul of country, but airy enough to let the psyche drift into open, almost psychedelic vistas.
Lyrically and atmospherically, "Flys" excels in contrasts. There's a sense of movement and restlessness that reflects this band's mercurial trajectory, never content to merely follow in the wake of those Cosmic Americana voyages that thin out over the edge of existence. Alien Eyelid blazes a trail distinctly their own. Each riff, each harmony, every instrumental flourish is there with a purpose, contributing to a community spirit that draws you into the band's world rather than merely telling you a story.
On "Flys," Alien Eyelid shows evolution doesn't have to mean ditching all the roots. Instead, they breathe in the burden of time-tested specters and nurture their collective growth, giving rise to a track that is as introspective as it is far-reaching. It's a single that represents the spirit of "Vinegar Hill," a tapestry of longing, experimentation, and collective artistry. On "Flys," Alien Eyelid is exploring uncharted territories and extending an invitation for fans to join them on their journey.
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