Are we in the midst of an “indie sleaze” revival? You know, that pocket of 2000s-era music and culture epitomized by bands like The Strokes, The Killers, and LCD Soundsystem? That moment in time when everyone was wearing jean jackets, smoking cigarettes, and hanging out with Slash and Guided By Voices in dive bars? While one could argue that Milwaukee has never left its indie sleaze era—or that it has always existed in an indie sleaze era—bands like Alley Eyes are making the case for a full-blown homegrown revival.
Take the excellent single “Tangerines,” which the young Milwaukee group released earlier this year. Even without the accompanying video, it’s easy to listen to the song and think it’s 2005 all over again:
Or, better yet, take the new “No Good.” Recorded and produced by Derek Moffat at 608 Studios, “No Good” finds Alley Eyes mining a more anthemic and bleary-eyed ’00s vibe. It’s a terrific track, and it’s streaming exclusively on Milwaukee Record a day before its official release:
Want to catch Alley Eyes live? You’re in luck. The band will celebrate the release of “No Good” Thursday, May 1 at X-Ray Arcade. Brooklyn’s Whitehall and Michigan’s Cal In Red will headline the bill, while Alley Eyes and fellow Milwaukee group Bowvee will play in support. Pair it all with a pack of American Spirits (no smoking indoors, of course) and a can of High Life ($4) for maximum effect.
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