From the first moment “Dead Eyes” opens, it stakes a claim to the space between grunge rawness and indie pop immediacy. The intro does not sneak up on the listener. Instead it plants a simple riff that feels slightly scuffed at the edges and immediately human, like an old compact guitar amp pushed a little too hard. “Dead Eyes” makes its presence felt with a series of heavy drum pounds that set a tense and almost foreboding foundation before the guitars slide into the mix. Those pounding hits are not just a backdrop but a statement, carving out a raw physicality that immediately grabs attention. The arrangement shows the band thinking like songwriters who have grown up on both the guitar records of the nineties and contemporary indie songwriting. Everything feels intentional rather than accidental which is a subtle but important distinction given the band wears a raw aesthetic.
Instrumentation plays a huge role in shaping the character of “Dead Eyes.” Lauren Woodfield’s guitar forms the harmonic skeleton, moving between jagged rhythm strokes and haunting sustained notes, while Scarlett Duthie brings a second layer that alternates between chiming counter-melodies and distorted crunch. Julz Morris’ bass provides a thick, grounding presence that connects seamlessly with the kick drum, giving the song its pulse. The keys are understated but cleverly placed, washing in like subtle colors behind the guitars, almost ghostlike in effect. The drums, however, remain the engine, driving the shifts with thudding floor toms, snapping snares, and well-timed cymbal crashes that make every section land harder. The interplay between grit and polish defines the band’s style here, showing off their ability to sound raw and deliberate at once.
Vocally, “Dead Eyes” is dominated by a delivery that is wild, brash, and completely unrestrained. The vocals does not hold back or croon softly; instead they attack the lyrics with an urgency that mirrors the pounding rhythm and cutting riffs. The vocals carries both sharpness and edge, the kind of voice that fills a room and commands attention. At times it veers into a near-shouted intensity, giving the song an anthemic quality, while still retaining melodic clarity. The backing vocals add texture in the choruses, but the lead remains the untamed centerpiece. This vocal approach injects a feral, cathartic quality into the track, making the lyrics feel less like quiet reflections and more like declarations that demand to be heard.
Production and mixing deserve individual attention because they shape how the song is experienced. The mix sits the vocal a little forward so the storytelling remains primary. Guitars are textured with layered tones so when the band wants impact they can push a combined wall of sound but when they want intimacy individual strands are audible. The drums are recorded with an emphasis on snap and room tone rather than being sonically clinical. There is tasteful use of analog warmth across the track, from tape like saturation on guitars to slight harmonic enhancement on the bass. The mastering rounds out transients so the song retains punch on small speakers while still having air on headphones. These choices suggest a production team that knows how to preserve energy without sterilizing character. If the band self produced parts of the song as previous credits suggest, “Dead Eyes” demonstrates a significant step in craft and taste.
Placed in context “Dead Eyes” reads as a consolidating moment for Sonic Doll. The band has already shown promise through earlier releases and local airplay and this song feels like a bridge to a wider audience. Its blend of immediacy and texture makes it radio friendly in the best sense because it is melodic without being generic. Live, the arrangement will likely translate well given the song leaves room for dynamic shifts and audience participation on the chorus. In terms of cultural positioning the track sits comfortably in a modern revival of guitar based songwriting that refuses to be polished into oblivion. For listeners who prize songwriting, authentic voice, and well thought out sonic decisions “Dead Eyes” will register as a highlight in their catalog. As an unreleased single to be released on October 3rd, 2025 it will work to solidify Sonic Doll as a band capable of writing hooks and carrying emotional weight at the same time.
Overall “Dead Eyes” is a confident, mature song that succeeds on multiple levels. It reveals a band who understands how to craft an atmosphere without losing the immediacy of a good pop song. From the instrumental textures, to vocal performance, to lyrical resonance and production nuance this is a record that rewards both casual listeners and attentive fans. It is not just another entry in the crowded indie landscape. Instead it is a carefully assembled statement from a trio whose strengths are clarity of vision and an ear for balancing grit with melody. If Sonic Doll continue to build on this approach they are set to enlarge their reach while keeping the core qualities that made them compelling in the first place.
For more information about Sonic Doll, click on the icons below.
