One Eye Open

One Eye Open is a ska group from the United States that emerges from the 1990s punk and ska-punk scene. Their music combines ska-punk with a wider punk-influenced sound, and they are described as being harder-edged and stranger than many of their contemporaries. Although ska is their main genre, their songs include a mixture of punk and other styles, which makes them difficult to place neatly within one category.

Background and activity

The group forms in the Orange County, California ska-punk scene and builds a reputation through extensive touring and a strong live following. At one point, the band leaves Southern California, relocates to a small town in Massachusetts, and embarks on an extended tour of the United States. That tour lasts for more than two and a half years, ending with the band splitting up on the road in Kansas in the late 1990s.

Releases, labels and scene connections

One Eye Open records for several independent labels, including Dill Records, Very Small Records, S.O.S Records, No Idea and others. Their Very Small Records work includes compilations, a 7-inch release and a split LP with Schlong. They also act as the backing band for The Kids of Widney High on Ipecac Recordings for a period. Within the ska-punk world, they play with many established bands and are regarded as a band’s band rather than a mainstream success.

Live performances

The band becomes known for unusual and theatrical concerts. Their shows often include costumes, themed performances, improvised songs, and odd giveaways. Accounts of their stage sets mention props and gimmicks such as a homemade ten-foot tiki god, a free Flowbee haircut station, and a flying grilled cheese sandwich thrown into the crowd. Performances can be chaotic and drunkenly sloppy, but they are also inventive and memorable.

Legacy

After breaking up, One Eye Open later returns for reunion shows. Their place in the 1990s ska-punk scene is tied to their distinctive style, extensive touring, independent label work and unusual live reputation.