As ensnaring as its namesake, both thematically and sonically, the latest track Tripwire from Gold Coast trio In Eyes is an explosive exploration into toxic relationships and anthemic angst, as the trio sharpen their own unique alt rock tendencies alongside nods to the likes of Tonight Alive and Dream State.
Building on the utter bop that was their 2020 track The Dreamer, 2022 is already looking bright, with Tripwire laying a compelling foundation for some huge things to come. A voracious and raw detailing of vocalist and lyricist Rosie Jacobson's first proper relationship, a textbook toxic, teen romance doomed from its inception, Tripwire is a culmination of Jacobson's own reckoning with manipulation and toxicity, powerfully backed by pounding instrumentals and an engaging fusion of pop punk with heavier overtones.
And capturing the universal notions of destructive relationships, early heartache and general frustrations layered on with the COVID-19 pandemic, Tripwire is the ultimate anti-red flag anthem many of us needed in our teens (and let's not lie - some of us in our 30s too) - but, as Jacobson explains, some experiences in life are universally unavoidable.
“Everyone was telling me he was bad news pretty early on, and looking back I probably could’ve saved myself a lot of heartache if I had listened...but honestly, I was sixteen and falling in love for the first time. There was a naivety there I think we all experience when we’re young.”
- Rosie Jacobson, In Eyes
Backed by guitarist Dylan Quigg, drummer Kris Unwin and guest bassist Lachlan McKay, Tripwire is entirely just the beginning for this Gold Coast bunch; but before their next adventure, go grab an exclusive sneak peek of the brand new video for Tripwire below, then come get to know the band a little better, with some extra behind the scenes info on your new fave Goldy band, including a Q&A and bonus fun facts!
WHERE WAS THE FIRST OFFICIAL IN EYES GIG, AND WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM IT?
Our first real show with this lineup was opening for The Brave on The Breakout Tour at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, in February, 2020. It was boiling hot, and we luckily got through our set with no complications. During The Brave’s set, their gear overheated and shut down so they couldn’t finish. It was the first night of the tour so we were trying not to let the vibes be off for the rest of it. I think they got one more show in before the pandemic hit. Poor guys. Props to Mo’s Desert Clubhouse for having the coldest greenroom we’ve ever stepped foot in as well. That was a lifesaver after getting off stage.
WHO IS A BUCKET LIST BAND YOU'D LOVE TO TOUR WITH/SUPPORT ONE DAY?
There’s so many amazing bands that we’d love to support in some way or another, but I think a huge goal for us has always been to play a show with Northlane. They’ve been influential to us for a long time and even though our sounds are different, they’ve definitely been a driving force behind us creatively. Their live show is insane as well, so to be a part of it and feel the energy from the crowd would be a crazy experience.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST ALBUM EACH OF YOU EVER BOUGHT?
ROSIE: I think the first album I bought with my own money was A Beautiful Lie by 30 Seconds to Mars. I went through a Jared Leto phase when I was around 13, so that album got a lot of spins.
KRIS: I bought Slipknot’s Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses when I was 13 or 14.
DYLAN: I remember the first CD I bought was My Band by D12. I can’t remember what my first actual album was, but it was definitely either 50 Cent or Eminem.
WHAT AUSSIE BAND DO YOU EACH CURRENTLY LOVE RIGHT NOW?
ROSIE: I love so many Australian bands right now, but ultimate faves are Northlane and Slowly Slowly. Massive shout out to To Octavia, East Capri, Headwreck, and Sentiment as well. They’re making some big moves right now.
KRIS: Northlane and Sly Withers!
DYLAN: I’ve been loving Between You And Me, Mallrat, Yours Truly and Sentiment.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THE LOCAL MUSIC SCENE ON THE GOLDY?
The Gold Coast music scene is super versatile. We have artists from every genre imaginable, and everyone feels unique. What’s unfortunate is over the past few years we’ve seen the closure of many live music venues, and from what’s left, there’s only a select few that accommodate heavy music. Luckily, being only an hour from Brisbane, we still have good opportunities to play shows. The Goldy has some really spectacular acts though, so if you do go to a show you’ll rarely be disappointed.
IN EYES BRAND NEW TRACK TRIPWIRE IS OFFICIALLY OUT TOMORROW FRIDAY 18 FEBRUARY. MORE INFO BELOW.
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BY TIANA SPETER