EYELESS IN GAZA
MARTYN AND PETE – THE APPROACH ROAD SYNDROME. NOTE HAIR LOSS IN UNUSUAL AREAS, DUE TO PROLONGED ATTACK OF “EYELESS-ITIS”.

EYELESS IN GAZA have played around ten gigs since their formation, with a further two planned for the near future. These are: as support to This Heat, and a Smart Verbal benefit gig with Birmingham’s Au Pairs. Both denote the growing status and acclaim accorded them, which has been added to by their recent Sounds half-page article. Things have not always run smoothly though, especially at a London gig supporting Martyn’s old band Reluctant Stereotypes some time back. He classes this as their worst gig, and recalls that they were “playing to a handful of ancient failed Pop-Stars, who weren’t interested in the first place”. He goes on to say, about gigs in general, that “It’s important for us not to stand still, for us to try new things, new approaches, new material it’ s what we thrive on. That’s why every set we play is different from the previous one that’s the way it’ll always be, ’cos if you stand still too long the rot sets in!”

As everyone probably knows by now, E in G have done very well with their “Kodak Ghosts” E.P. Rather than re-press it and “go over old ground”, they have elected to put “Kodak Ghosts”, and one of the ‘B’ side numbers “The Feeling’s Mutual”, onto two compilation L.P.’s. The former will go onto an Island Records compilation, and the latter onto Rockburgh Records’ follow-up to “Hicks from the Sticks” called “Lines to London are Engaged”. This will, as they point out, also enable more people to hear those particular songs.

As well as this, E in G are also on the brink of signing to a “major independent label”. This will enable them to release their L.P., which has been completed for a while now but not released because of the large financial outlay involved. Martyn describes the album as having “more bite and kick than the E.P. it’s not the “Quiet Music” that Dave McCullough (of Sounds) was on about”. Tracks are as follows:
SIDE ONE: Seven Years, Fixation, Looking Daggers, From A to B, Clear Cut Apparently, Speech Rapid Fire, John of Patmos. SIDE TWO: Knives Replace Air, Faceless, Dark Portrait, A Keepsake, Whitewash, No Noise.

Melodies of these songs will be familiar to anyone who’s been to a couple of Eyeless gigs, even though the lyrics remain as impassioned and indecipherable as ever. Release dates for all these recordings are a little uncertain suffice to say that it’ll be a few months into the new year before all of them are out. As Martyn says, “things are looking up for Eyeless in Gaza” I’d say that was an understatement!