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The Waking Eyes

The Waking Eyes are Rusty Matyas, Joey Penner, Matt Peters and Steve Senkiw. The group formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada in 2001 as more of a musical collective and recording project than a band proper. From the beginning they have refused to be one-dimensional and predictable, with the only constant in their sound coming from their distinct songwriting style. Their debut album Combing The Clouds is a rich tapestry of neo-psychedelic and orchestral pop recorded in various basements, garages and bedrooms in Manitoba. It was released to critical acclaim on Endearing Records in 2002. Soon after they signed with Coalition Records and recorded the rock album, Video Sound, in Toronto. After extensive touring over the next couple of years and finally solidifying their membership, The Waking Eyes went home to work on something new. From the fall of 2005 until the summer of 2007 they wrote and recorded far too many songs to count. After the dust had settled they were left with a 3-CD set of B-sides and rarities (Operation Walter Prychodko), two side projects (Rusty’s Terrier and Matt’s Royal Canoe) and the real prize - a full length album called Holding On To Whatever It Is. The album was recorded and co-produced by John Paul Peters in Winnipeg and will surely be something completely unexpected. The group is currently preparing for the release of this new record in the coming summer.

Matt and Rusty contribute their voices and accompany them with melodies and chords played on guitars and keyboards. Steve counts from 1 to 4, sometimes to 6, and hits things precisely with sticks and feet. Joey makes his bass sound like a soul singer. Previous members include Myron Schulz and Russ Doerksen

Discography

Combing the CloudsVideo SoundOperation: Walter PrychodkoHolding on to Whatever it is

Tour.

Sept 6, 2008 - Virgin Festival - Toronto Island - Oh Henry stage Toronto, Ontario

Sept 9, 2008 - The Supermarket Toronto, ON

Sept 12, 2008 - Merchant Tap House Kingston, ON

Sept 13, 2008 - Cafe Deckuf Ottawa, ON

Sept 16, 2008 - The Supermarket Toronto, ON

Sept 17, 2008 - The Legendary Red Rooster Burlington, ON

Sept 18, 2008 - The Red Hot Chilli Pepper Bar & Grille St. Catharines, ON

Sept 23, 2008 - The Supermarket Toronto, ON

Sept 27, 2008 - The Horseshoe Tavern Toronto, ON

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Album Review

LogoMagazine.com

It’s not that often that we get material from over the pond, and when we do it’s often a cause for celebration. Not to denigrate our own undiscovered talent, but North Americans always seem that little bit more pissed off, that little bit less inhibited. The Waking Eyes aren’t U.S. Americans though, they’re from Canada - Manitoba to be precise - but the same holds true for them as it does with their southerly neighbours. On first impressions they’re holding true to the blues-boogie tradition that has served The Datsuns so well; dig deeper though and distinct seams of art-pop and real rock swagger emerge (they even manage to evoke the real Rockabilly of The Stray Cats on ‘Get Up Easy’). This can’t be right? It is, and it sounds just right. If they weren’t so far away we’d say you’ve gotta go see ‘em.