Big Eyes, Bad Attitude

Almost Famous, the 2013 release from Seattle’s Big Eyes, busts out of the gate with “Nothing You Could Say” — a riff-heavy, drum-bashing, fist-in-the-air anthem with guitarist and vocalist Kate Eldridge recalling Joey Ramone or Joan Jett. “The Sun Still Shines” begins with an almost Deep Purple-inspired guitar riff, but before long it’s vintage Runaways. “You’ve got a lotta nerve treatin’ me that way,” Eldridge sings defiantly. And the rest of the album continues in the same vein; Eldridge peppering the short punk songs with killer guitar shrediosity. Soaring harmonized guitar solos meet the power chords of the Ramones, the Dead Boys or the Buzzcocks. Big Eyes have two tempos, faster and fastest, and two volumes, louder and pissed off, but they’re also melodic and fun.

Elsewhere “Ain’t Nothing But The Truth” begins with a sludgy bass line direct from early Nirvana, Mudhoney or any number of other luminaries from the heyday of grunge rock and Sub Pop Records. And by the time “Ain’t Nothing But The Truth” hits its chorus it’s back to snarled upper-lips, sunglasses indoors, black leather jackets and Pabst-pounding aggression. Big Eyes might’ve found their rightful home in Seattle — away from the effete artiness of post-CBGB’s New York City (the band began in Brooklyn). If you’re hungry for some nuts ‘n’ bolts rock ‘n’ roll, or feeling starved for four chords played in 4/4 time with a bad attitude, check out Seattle’s Big Eyes.

Big Eyes play with Portland slacker-punks Youthbitch and Eugene’s up-and-coming “cuddle-shred” band Martian Manhunter 8 pm Friday, Nov. 29, at the Wandering Goat; $5 suggested donation.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!