3/5 stars

A decade ago, The Living Eyes would’ve seemed a niche tribute act, hopelessly obsessed with pre-Stooges 1960s garage. But in the current decade, they’re not alone in mining from this highly melodic, fuzz-drenched pool of influence.

From the get-go, Living Large asks to be played loud and enjoyed for its familiarity. The riffs stemmed from the hands of Herman’s Hermits, but have since soaked up some of Ray and Dave Davies’ devilish persuasion. The melodies get you humming immediately upon reaching your ears. The lyrics – dealing with things like struggling to pick up, struggling to write songs and a dislike of advertising – aren’t exactly daft, but they’re largely of no consequence.

Throughout Living Large’s24 minutes, The Living Eyes play with ragged enthusiasm, but never furiously fast. Likewise, they’re an indubitably tight unit, but dangerous emotions are never let off the leash. An apt contemporary reference is Ty Segall, who’s also a great imitator. However, unlike Segall, The Living Eyes fail to offer much that wasn’t guaranteed by the era they’re infatuated with.

Listening for details is not what this album recommends. The allegiance to major keys and fuzz-fucked guitars is here to stop you from worrying about a damn thing.

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