‘Contagious Ignorance’ is the debut album from hard rock act, The Band of the Eye. With early demos receiving some impressive reviews in the media, the band continued their project with producer Paul Tipler (Placebo, Idlewild) to record the full record (originally titled ‘Maximum Fisting’, but changed for obvious reasons) and is set to for release this Spring.

 With influences including The Beatles, Nirvana, R.E.M and Smashing Pumpkins, I was convinced there would be something on this album for me, and I wasn’t disappointed. For a fan of rock music, this album has something for everyone; and all that is needed is a little patience to find the track meant for you. Opener, ‘Wasting’ throws you in at the deep end before you’ve even reached the poolside. A great way to start the album as it shows off the variety prevalent within the band. As guitars drive this track along, the vocals are catchy and melodic, with the bass fills perfectly linking verse and chorus. ‘Don’t leave me waiting for you’ soars as though the band were singing choruses ready for sing-along stadiums.

First single off the album ‘Why You Are So Awful’ seems like the logical choice, until the chorus of ‘We all worship Satan’ is somewhat angrily shouted at the listener, and sets the tone of this lyrically youthful and rebellious record. Elsewhere the track is radio friendly and has a definite energy throughout which carries its intensity, making it a clear standout off the album.

Mid-record, a softer and more innocent track is revealed, which, for a band that prides itself in hard rock, works surprisingly well. ‘Bye’ will appeal to the fan of the softer end of rock, and is free from any shouting or overly aggressive vocals. The band seem to have a certain knack for making every instrument work so well together, which would suggest their live show would be one worth catching. This track is certainly no exception and captures the more subtle end of their game, and does so with an attractive naivety that corresponds into a convincing level of conviction.

‘On The Edge’ follows suit from ‘Bye’, gradually picking up the volume and pace-bringing the energy levels back to where they were in the first half of the record. By the time you reach ‘Beatnik Acoustics’, the band have returned to their comfort zone of heavy rock, backed by huge choruses; and this pattern continues until closing track ‘King Of The Dead’ eases you out, whilst flirting with both sides of soft and heavy.

An extremely solid debut album from The Band of the Eye, which boasts a maturity well beyond its years. Simply, the record offers something from most points of the rock spectrum. For fans of the loud and shouty there is certainly enough to grab you by the arm and swing you around the room until you get dizzy. Likewise, for those who prefer to hear something a little bit more reserved, with the energy focused on a desirable melody, this album has enough for you, with a little bit more that might tempt you into unfamiliar and louder grounds.