Album flashback

Eve Eye - Just In Time To Be Late [1986]

This debut album from Toronto’s Eye Eye produced three singles that would bubble under the top forty, but did lay groundwork for a bigger chart hit on their second album, namely ‘Endless Night’ - which hit #29 in 1988.

Following a string of strong finishes in national talent search contests from Q107, CBC and MuchMusic, the boys convinced Rush producer Terry Brown to helm their first EP and subsequent full length.

The album was released in 1986 on famed CanCon indie label - Duke Street [Jane Siberry, Chalk Circle].

Faithfully Yours - did not chart

Listen, I’m no A&R guy.

But if I was promoting a new band I would not choose an album filler track as my lead single.

The tune is fine, but devoid of hooks and the kind of energy I’d want to open my account with.

X-Ray Eyes - peaked #52, 1986

Now we’re talking!

Musically we’ve got a funky synth bass, some driving rhythm guitar, and a few more BPMs. And how about that guitar solo!

Visually we’ve got hair, that 80s spin move, and the old dusty snare drum gimmick.

This is a 1986-era hit single, boys.

Out On A Limb - peaked #51, 1986

This slick little single draws you in right away with its faux flute melody and an almost tribal rhythm. Bass and synths are added before a cinematic flourish and our vocals kicking in after more than a minute.

What follows is deceptively simple and well produced. The bass is propulsive and works well with the big melody, and there’s a tidy little bridge as well.

Good stuff.

Despite disbanding after the second album and the tragic death of drummer Mark Caporal, I’m happy to report that Bill Wood [vocals] and Andy Ryan [guitar] are turning out new music as Eye Eye.

An album called ‘Little Treasures’ was released in 2025 and Wood has also released several solo projects.