On their third album, Phoenix band EYES SET TO KILL finds themselves at a crossroads of genre and popularity with much of the attention often falling on the looks of sisters Alexia and Anissa Rodriguez than the band’s musical output. After a tumultuous few years that has seen the band burn through an almost comical number of members (around 9 currently hold the “ex-ESTK” title), EYES SET TO KILL seems to have locked in a solid lineup following the departure of Keyboardist/Scream Specialist Brandon Anderson.
BROKEN FRAMES retains much of the band’s metalcore style, while adding a layer of pop-gloss to the top, making for an interesting listen.
The album opener, “All You Ever Knew” starts off with the typical conventions of chaos, while the chorus breaks are the first hint of an almost LACUNA COIL vibe that resurfaces periodically throughout the album. The title track could easily hit the radio market, while “The Listening,” “Ticking Bombs, and “Ryan” could have serious crossover appeal – though I’m not sure how the WARPED TOUR crowd will react when the band takes the stage for much of the annual summer trek.
Included as a bonus track is “Let Me In,” a track from Lexia’s forthcoming solo album – a strong departure from normal EYES SET TO KILL fare, and a step toward a far more adult pop realm.
Fans of the straight-forward ‘core sound that ESTK embraced in the past might be turned off by the band’s newfound musical sensibilities, but it’s the expansion into a broader sound that is likely to gain them more listeners for the long haul.
Rating: 3.5/5
