- As I grow ever older and increasingly apathetic towards almost all things, sometimes it’s reassuring that rock’n’roll dogs like Eyes Ninety both exist, and on occasion, release records. Hailing from the swampy stank capital of Australia, Brisbane’s Eyes Ninety craft feverish, no-bullshit garage rock that makes me feel slightly better about hauling my human carcass around day in and day out. Part Black Lips, part Parquet Courts and 114% Eyes Ninety, the bands latest record is called Glaucoma Chameleon which I personally believe is equal parts one of the stupidest and greatest album names of our generation.

Following up from their 2015 self-titled debut, Glaucoma Chameleon has taken every single goddamn element from their blossoming arsenal and taken it up a notch; and while the overall production and recording is slicker than their debut, none of the groups intensity nor their razor sharp edge has dulled. The song craft is exceptional; the music, always compelling, and the mental imagery conjured up from songs such as Mayonnaise Maze, far more scintillating and relatable than perhaps they were ever intended to be. For a band that excel in punching out a wicked rad jam in a tight two minutes, it’s the two longest cuts on Glaucoma Chameleon that really get my saucy juices flowing. Located smack bang in the middle of the record, Iceberg Syndrome is a six minute whirlwind that sounds like it wouldn’t have been too out of place on an early Nick Cave record but only if Nick Cave was less of a bummer. Seven minute closer The Duke descends gorgeously into an extended outro featuring my ultimate musical deal closer, some real solid sax action to bring the whole affair to a sensual and satisfying climax.

Sometimes in life you don’t always know what you need until it worms its way first into your ear holes, then your heart, but Eyes Ninety have done just that with their chaotic and charming serve of Glaucoma Chameleon; just the metaphorical musical blast in the ass I wholeheartedly believe was required to keep my brain from completely crusting over with no amount of medicinal mind juice able to counteract the complete and utter shutdown of my integral life support systems. With Glaucoma Chameleon Eyes Ninety have downright delivered one of the most enjoyable rock records I’ve heard this year.

- Jay Edwards.