The Heavy Eyes return with Focus, their fifth studio album and a reaffirmation of everything that has made the Memphis outfit a respected name in modern heavy rock. Following a difficult period marked by frontman Tripp Shumake’s battle with chronic kidney disease and a life-saving transplant in 2022, Focus finds the group continuing to build on the blues-infused hard/stoner rock foundation that has defined their sound for more than a decade.
Formed in Memphis, Tennessee, The Heavy Eyes are comprised of Tripp Shumake (guitar and vocals), Matthew Qualls (guitar), Wally Anderson (bass), and Eric Garcia (drums). The band built its reputation on a potent blend of heavy blues, hard rock, stoner rock, and psychedelia. Drawing inspiration from acts such as Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin while maintaining a distinctly Southern grit of their own, The Heavy Eyes have spent more than a decade crafting riff-driven monsters. Focus fits comfortably within that lineage.
The album opens with “That Cold Goliath,” an atmospheric, acoustic-driven piece that favors mood over heaviness. Dark and mysterious, it serves as an effective introduction before “Concrete Halloween” crashes through the door. Built around a massive, fuzzed-out riff and an irresistible rhythm, it immediately establishes the record’s direction and stands among its strongest cuts.
The middle portion of the album delivers a steady stream of strong material. “It’s All Simone” stands out thanks to its punchy bass work, while “Corporal Upham” keeps the momentum moving with another dose of blues-infused stoner riffage. Another highlight is “Troublesome Priest,” which grows from a bass-led introduction into a crushing staccato riff before erupting into a swaggering rocker packed with attitude. The title track maintains the pace, while “Words” slows things down with a heavier, sludgier riffage that makes it one of the record’s weightiest moments.
Another standout arrives with “That Cold Goliath (Might Return)”, which revisits the atmosphere of the opening track and transforms it into one of the album’s fiercest rockers. Driven by a planet-sized riff and blazing, feedback-laced lead guitar work, it ranks among the strongest songs here. The closer and instrumental piece “Holy Envy” brings things full circle with a more psychedelic and atmospheric approach.
Overall, the record’s strength lies in its execution. Sharp songwriting, memorable riffs, and a balance between heavy rockers and atmospheric passages keep it engaging throughout. At the same time, the band’s bluesy roots are never far from the surface, giving even the heaviest material a sense of swing and groove.
In short, Focus does not attempt to drastically reshape The Heavy Eyes’ formula, nor is there much reason for it to. The band’s distinct, well-established sound remains highly effective, and Focus is another strong showcase for those qualities. For listeners with an appetite for heavy blues, fuzzed-out guitars, and groove-laden hard rock, this is an easy record to recommend.
The Review: 8.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– That Cold Goliath
– That Cold Goliath (Might Return)
– Concrete Halloween
– Corporal Upham
– Troublesome Priest
– Words
The Big Hit
– That Cold Goliath (Might Return)
The post The Heavy Eyes: Focus Review appeared first on Blues Rock Review.
