The WiLd EyeS

The WiLd EyeS

The WiLd EyeS are a South African group active from 2004 to the present. They are identified as a South African pop punk band, and their early material is also described as disco punk. The band forms in mid-2004 and features Nikhil Singh on vocals, guitar and synth, Gareth Dawson on bass and backing vocals, and Len Cockcroft on drums, percussion and backing vocals.

Early releases and style

The band’s first full-length release is the limited edition album Our Love Has a Special Violence, issued in 2005 on One Minute Trolley Dash Records and produced by Dirk Hugo. The record is packaged as a hand silk-screened translucent digi-pack, with illustration and design by Singh. Its songs are described as energetic and dance-focused, with “Midnight Pet” and “Breakdown” singled out as notable tracks. Guest appearances on selected songs include Inge Beckman of Lark, Kyla Rose-Smith of Freshlyground, Lee Thompson of Hog Hoggidy Hogg and Dan Manojlovic of Action Blueprint.

Visual presentation and live reputation

The WiLd EyeS are noted for a strong visual approach, both in their artwork and in performance. Their live shows feature theatrical elements such as pink Cleopatra wigs, ornate dresses and heavy make-up. Their overall presentation is described as vivid and memorable, matching the colour and intensity of the release packaging.

Compilations and media use

Tracks from Our Love Has a Special Violence appear on several compilation releases, including Session magazine, two SL magazine compilations, the 2006 Levi’s Young Guns compilation, The Cellardoor LIVE CD and a Mail and Guardian compilation CD. The track “Valley of the Snake” also appears in the South African skateboarding documentary Kurb, produced by Dallas Oberholzer.

Festival appearance and influence

The band is selected as one of four South African acts to showcase at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas in 2007. Other South African bands, including BLK JKS and KidofDoom, cite them as an influence.

Later British-based line-up

Another account of The WiLd EyeS describes them as a British-based psychedelic garage and dream pop trio associated with Liverpool, formed by musicians drawn there from North Wales and the Pennines. In that phase, their music mixes garage rock, psychedelia and twisted rock and roll, with performances alongside Darwin Deez, The Zutons and The Lucid Dream. Their recorded work is described as ranging from spiky three-minute songs to longer, more spacious pieces, with sweet melodies, reverb-heavy guitars and electronic rhythms. A 7-inch single, “I Look Good On You”, is associated with this period.