Black Eyes is an American post-punk band from Washington, D.C., United States, that initially existed from August 2001 to March 2004, disbanding two months prior to the release of their second album, Cough. The band reunited to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their self-titled full-length debut, Black Eyes, announcing a 2023 reissue and their first live performances in 19 years. Black Eyes' members are Dan Caldas, Daniel Martin-McCormick, Hugh McElroy, Jacob Long, and Mike Kanin.

History

In 2002, Black Eyes released a 7" on Ruffian Records (Some Boys / Shut Up, I Never) and a 7" split with Early Humans on Planaria Recordings; the latter includes the track "Have Been Murdered Again," an early version of "Someone Has His Fingers Broken." Black Eyes' self-titled debut album was released in 2003 on Dischord Records; most tracks feature the band's trademark dual vocals (from bass guitarist Hugh McElroy and guitarist Daniel Martin-McCormick) and two full drum kits. After Black Eyes, bassist Jacob Long began teaching himself to play saxophone, which he performed in the group's subsequent live shows and recording sessions. After extensive touring with Q and Not U, Black Eyes disbanded after a show at The Black Cat in Washington, D.C., just two months before the release of their second album, Cough. For this album, the band incorporated frenzied brass instrumentation, pushing further into free-jazz territory. The band's members went on to pursue other projects, including Ital, Earthen Sea, Marriage, Hand Fed Babies, Sentai, and Mi Ami. McElroy continued to release work on his DIY label, Ruffian Records, and Kanin founded On Repeat, a sub-label of Astral Spirits. On November 15, 2022, it was announced that Black Eyes was reuniting and would perform a run of three shows in April 2023 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut album. Along with a reissue of Black Eyes, the band also released previously-unheard demos, live sets, and a zine titled Speaking In Tongues: Black Eyes 2001-2004.

Black Eyes discography

Black Eyes track listing: Cough track listing: