The Texas-based spiritual hardcore band Close Your Eyes steps away from being overly preachy and creates music that can be applied to life in general. However, don’t underestimate the quintet, as their music packs quite the punch. Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts is cut after cut of high-energy jams with lyrics that are thought provoking.
From the start of the anthemic “Hope Slips Away (The World Is Ours To Change),” vocalist Shane Raymond commands full attention of the listener with his rough and raw style. The rhythmic drums and complimentary bass helps “Valleys” stand out among the other smashing cuts on Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts. Even though the actual lyrics to some of the their songs seem grim, they still carry heavy, positive messages that shed light on even the darkest of days. Each number on the release is full of passion; however, from the first chords and syllables in “Paper Thin,” the frustration is felt until the harmonious group vocals at the end.
The heaviest song on Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts is “Wolves.” The overall tone gets darker as the song progresses until a semi-expected breakdown, complete with piercing growls, rolls in. The most diverse piece on the track-list is the final song, “Heavy Hearts,” and it’s also the calmest. However, it is heavily preached, with a church choir ending it.
Even if you don’t dig music with a spiritual undertone, there is no denying the impact Close Your Eyes is making through Empty Hands And Heavy Hearts.
In A Word: Uplifting
