Epitaph’s Early Eyes made their return to Minneapolis’ 7th Street Entry on Saturday with
special guests FruitPunchLoverBoy and Trash Date.
I had been folding laundry all day and listening to Early Eyes as my dog looked up at me.
She admittedly didn’t bop her head as much as I did, but I know she would have if bulldogs
had less unforgiving sausage-y necks. I know she was thrilled that I got to have an evening
downtown to see a band I’d heard so much about.
The night opened up with Trash Date. They were fronted by bass player and singer Megan
Mahoney, who played TRIPLE DUTY filling in bass lines for EVERY BAND on the bill. Megan is
without a doubt, a staple in the Minneapolis music scene. Their resume drips with
recognizable names like Miloe, Boyish, Huhroon, Honeybutter, Yellow Ostrich,
FruitPunchLoverboy, Brunette, Arlo, Radiochurch and minigolf. Megan debuted plenty of
new material with their cohort Katherine Saoirse, who weaved guitar fuelled warmth into
devastating lyrics like, “If i live for nothing then I die without pain, everything is beautiful but
everything’s the same.” The audience was completely in their corner, settling into their soft,
space-filled set of quiet but captivating original songs from their first two albums, both of
which have yet to be released.

FruitPunchLoverBoy entered the stage and worked the crowd with their almost Post
Malone style soul. I have to say, I was a bit skeptical that their set was going to be a bit
predictable after hearing their opening notes. I was totally won over within minutes when I
heard FruitPunchLoverBoy deliver strikingly personal lyrics with a swaying groove that felt
so completely authentic. Drummer Richard Haneman took the songs in unexpected
directions and kept people from prematurely assuming they knew exactly what this band
could do. I can’t wait to see what FPLB explores on future releases and think he has the
potential to captivate an endless amount of listeners.

Early Eyes emerged under spare colored spotlights to a sped-up version of their track
“Dying Plant” from their excellent pop-rock pandemic response opus Look Alive!.
Throughout the night, singer Jake Berglove (vocals/keys) navigated the tight space with
swagger, delivering fan favorites like Coffee, Paresthesia and Rocket. The band could have
been worn out after showcasing their musical muscles from their long touring schedule.
Instead, drummer Sam Mathys managed to dash to the front of the stage, mid-set, to
spread his brand of joyful intensity and reassure the crowd that we were all there for
something special. On their studio recordings, the band has a keen sense for high
production. But live, the band feels much looser and personal. That might not seem like a
unique trait in popular music, but that night, their outstretched hands, smiles and
engagement with their fanbase felt borderless. They also pushed the music like a collective.
Joe Villano (vocals, guitar) stepped up to sing and add texture when Jake felt the need to
wink at the crowd, focus on vocal effects or simply fall to the floor in a cloud of vapor. John
O'Brien (guitar) was a consistent backbone of technique. Driving much of the most
interesting guitar licks of the night with a dedicated intensity showing he was all-in on the
world of Early Eyes. When Megan was handed the reins to belt out “Pretty Good Party”, a
speeding dump truck couldn’t have stopped the crowd from shouting along. Proving once
and for all that Megan was the MVP of the night. The atmosphere was filled with
celebratory toasts as glasses were raised, people danced and photos were rattled off to
commemorate a night that many had clearly eagerly anticipated. It was rare to witness so
much of a fanbase belt out the lyrics as passionately as they did at a venue the size of the
7th Street Entry. Early Eyes' supporters had turned up in droves and were determined to
give the band a warm welcome home.

Check out the video for Early Eyes most recent single Dying Plant from their newest album
Look Alive! via Epitaph records. FruitPunchLoverBoy latest single Crashpad is available via
Spotify. Trash Date doesn’t yet have a record out, but you can follow them on Soundcloud
and Instagram for upcoming news.

Review was written by Charlie Van-Stee and pictures were taken by Teddy Nordvold.