Eyes Lips Eyes Live it Up Live in Orlando

Saturday October 20, 2012,

The Social, Orlando, Florida

Energized and/or adrenalized, don’t begin to come close to describing the high intensity show Eyes Lips Eyes delivers, each and every time they set foot on stage. This night in Orlando was no exception. Currently on tour supporting ‘What You Want (If You Want)’ on Roll Call Records, ELE have crossed a line as performers, and truly committed themselves as artists. The constant criss-crossing of the US on one more van tour has transformed them from an exceptional indie band, with their sights set firmly on being recognized and respected to being within reach of mainstream breakout success.

The band’s wry wit remains intact, but now it’s obvious they’re playing for keeps. Being good is no longer good enough, and collectively there’s an ardent and confident determination guiding the show. There’s an overt cockiness to the live performance, where they effortlessly meld disco, funk, new wave, dance and shades of punk into a riveting and demanding show. The one hour set showcased the best of their material. “Pretty,”  “Don’t Blow It,” and “Tickle” were all worked out tonight. It’s easy to focus on lead vocalist Tony Hello, and his non stop dance delivery of quirky lyrics, but this is a band. Spencer Petersen, Aaron Hatch, and Thomas Carroll on guitar, bass, and drums respectively, musically move as one, sinewy and slippery creature whose musical strength relies on agilty and a lightness on its feet.

Eyes Lips Eyes, their music and performance are positively ebullient with a delivery verging on transcendence. See them now while you can get within arms reach and still say hello after a show. At a time when performers now have to prove their worth on stage to truly matter, ELE are one of the brightest lights currently shining.