Exclusive track premiere of ‘Sweet As Pie’ by Tombstones In Their Eyes, taken from their upcoming album, ‘Asylum Harbour,’ slated for release this fall via Kitten Robot Records.
“The sunny sounding harmonies disguise the struggle in the song,” confesses John Treanor of Los Angeles psychedelic shoegazers Tombstones In Their Eyes about their hazy new single ‘Sweet As Pie’ from the upcoming album ‘Asylum Harbour,’ out this Fall via Kitten Robot. What’s the struggle? “It’s about pulling yourself out of darkness into light,” he says.
As with many psyche-rock tunes, the fuzz-drenched guitars often mask a deeper darkness. “The song’s lyrics, “Coming from the darkness / I see your light / Coming from the darkness / I know I can fly,” reflect hope and yearning,” Treanor explains. “It’s about struggling to find your place in the world.”
‘Sweet As Pie’ is steeped in minor chords and a driving beat, with Treanor’s vocals piercing through the shoegaze haze. Produced by Kitten Robot’s Paul Roessler, it features Phil Cobb, Paul Boutin, Stephen Striegel, Courtney Davies, and Nic Nifoussi, with Roessler adding vocals and keys.
“‘Sweet As Pie’ is an older track, written and recorded in 2021/2022, showcasing Courtney’s beautiful voice,” Treanor notes. “Its seeming lightness delayed its release.”
‘Asylum Harbour,’ named for a maritime safe haven, symbolizes resurfacing from the darkness of 2022-2023 and the pandemic. Treanor says the album reflects a journey out of a dark place, focusing on voices and harmonies over layers of fuzz. “The record marks, to my mind, a further evolution of the band with the voice(s) becoming a main feature rather than being used as another instrument.”
Photo by Karin Johansson
Tombstones In Their Eyes, a decade strong, blend psychedelia and shoegaze with fuzzed-out guitars and dreamy vocals. “Asylum Harbour feels cohesive in sound and theme,” Treanor concludes. “It’s about the beauty of pain and being stripped to one’s core.”
Headline photo: Deb Frazin