MUSIC REVIEW: THE 69 EYES – I Survive [EP]
Label: BLKIIBLK
Release Date: June 05, 2026
Rating: 95%
Reviewer: Todd “Toddstar” Jolicoeur
Having checked out Finnish rockers The 69 Eyes periodically over the years and then catching them live at The Machine Shop in Flint, MI just before COVID hit, I was excited to discover they released an EP earlier this summer. I may be late for the I Survive party, but make no mistake… I have been spinning this one constantly once I let it rip once. Kicking off with the title track “I Survive,” this EP is a frolicking rocker that grabs you and challenges you to decide whether to headbang, hit the dance floor, or some twisted combination of the two. The rhythm is crazy; the vocals are exactly what you would expect from Jyrki 69. I love the bottom end of his range being on display. Also, Steve Stevens throws some guitars in the mix as a special guest. “Cold Sweat” is next and make no mistake, this is packed full of riff, pings, squeals, and some killer solos. Bazie & Timo-Timo work overtime on this rocker. The anthemic chorus draws you in and gets your blood flowing from the onset and doesn’t let go until the final note is played. “In The Misery” has a cool cadence led by Jussi 69’s drums and is perfectly anchored by Archizie’s thumping bass underneath the mix. This is another killer track that benefits from the perfect swirl of guitars, rhythm section, and vocals, but gets punch from some layered vocals in the mix. While is feels simpler as you listen through, make no mistake, this one is cut from some kick ass rock n roll cloth, especially during the solos on the bridge. Disc closer “Devil’s Rose” features some guitars from studio musician Ed Mundell swirled into the songs sonic DNA accompanying the rest of the band for the ride. The song has a slightly different musical texture than the rest of the short collection, but it doesn’t deviate from the rock and roll ride we have been on. Jyrki’s vocals jump out on the chorus and give us that warm lower register sound that balances the rest of the band. After hearing this one, I instantly went to the band’s website looking for US tour dates, but to no avail. Here’s hoping I find them on a stage near me some time soon, as I feel these songs will slide between their other tracks perfectly live.
Tracklisting: I Survive – Cold Sweat – In The Misery – Devil’s Rose
Lineup: Jyrki 69 (vocals) – Bazie (guitars) – Timo-Timo (guitars) – Archzie (bass) – Jussi 69 (drums)
THE 69 EYES LINKS:
Category: CD Reviews
About the Author (Author Profile)
ToddStar - that's me... just a rocking accountant who had dreams of being a rock star. I get to do the next best thing to rocking the globe - I get to take pictures of the lucky ones that do. I love to shoot all genres of music and different types of performers. If it is related to music, I love to photograph it. I get to shoot and hang with not only some of my friends and idols, but some of the coolest people around today.Subscribe
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