More Than Meets the Eye

Prog-metal dubai-based band EYE delves into musical experimentation with their full power. The band which formed in 2006, has released its debut album this year. Triplew.me caught up with guitarist Mehdi and keyboardist Gorgin to learn more about the Empty Yard Experiment….

The beginning…

The band formed out of early friendships and a mutual love for music. Having met in Dubai, during years of highschool and university, the bond EYE has goes back to days when they used to casually hold jam sessions. From there the band grew and expanded with the addition of new members.

Where did the name come from?

Keyboardist Gorgin Asadi tells us about the meaning behind the band’s choice of name: “We wanted a name that has a universal meaning. The emphasis in EYE (Empty Yard Experiment) is the experiment, and the empty yard is the place. It basically means exactly what you think of it. The eye is a gate to further spheres.”

Pigeonholed?

To anyone who has seen EYE perform, it’s obvious that the band’s style (in the context of the local scene) is very different and abstract.

So does that create some worries about being stereotyped in a specific genre? “We don’t mind being ‘in a genre’ and we certainly don’t mind being compared to other bands. What we mind is being recognized off the basis of this comparison – as in defining our style by saying we sound like this or that. That’s just ignorant. But, we are progressive metal, we are experimental. We dabble in industrial rock and we even have classical influences. So, the range is varied” says Asadi.

EYE on record…

Asadi reflect on EYE's recordings “the first album is very collective. We never really sat down to write songs specifically for the album. It’s the product of hours of jamming and the final product is an entirely collaborative project. We worked on everything as a unit, from the guitar chords to the lyrics."

What about influences? “Considering that many of these songs came about across the years – the main influences are our feelings and hopes at the time. As for sound influences we are all influenced by some bands (consciously or not) [afterwards they name drop Tool, Porcupine Tree, King Crimson as principal influences]. It is also important to note, that we are always influenced by our context and society” adds Asadi.

And how was the reception to the record so far? “…very positive, and from across the world as well. I mean, we are not rich or anything yet! But, we are very happy with it.”

Opening for Anathema…

“That was a wonderful experience, as it allowed us a lot of learning from such a professional band - from their production value, techniques to their stage presence. Not to mention, that it was an amazing opportunity to perform in front of so many of our countrymen who flew in to Dubai (from Iran) specifically for the show. That was amazing” Asadi reflects.

An Eye for Visuals…

A very interesting aspect of the band is how they utilize visuals in their live shows “We started out as a purely instrumental band, and we wanted to amplify that by adding visuals.” Says Mehdi “…and even after we had a vocalist join us we wanted to keep the visual aspect to accompany our music, as they help and enhance what we want to communicate through sound.”

Keep up to date with EYE's news through their official website and Facebook page. And read our review of their debut album here!

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