Never Too Loud by The 69 Eyes: A Forgotten Rock Gem from '94
Alright, let’s talk about Never Too Loud, the kinda underrated rock album by The 69 Eyes. Released in '94 under Ultra Under Records, this one flew under the radar for many, but man, it’s got some grit and charm that sticks with you. It’s not perfect—it’s raw, a little rough around the edges—but isn’t that what makes rock music so damn fun? Let’s dive into it.
The first track I gotta shout out is "Call Me Animal." This one hits hard right out of the gate. It’s got this sleazy, almost glam-rock vibe mixed with a punk edge. The vocals are raspy, like they’ve been dragged through a gravel pit, but it totally works. There’s something about the energy here—it feels like the band just didn’t care what anyone thought and went full throttle. You can hear Jasse and Jay Lewis chiming in on backing vocals, adding layers that make it feel bigger than life. Honestly, if you’re looking for a song to crank up when you need a kick in the pants, this is your jam.
Then there’s "Too Itching For Action," which is basically the musical equivalent of being stuck in a bar fight you didn’t start but now you’re all in. The guitar riffs are punchy as hell, and the rhythm has this relentless drive that keeps you hooked. Producer T. Tolkki clearly knew how to bring out the best in these guys because the mix is tight without losing that live-show chaos. Plus, Kelly’s backing vocals add this cool layer that sneaks up on you after a few listens. It’s one of those tracks where you think, “Yeah, I could start a small riot to this.”
Now, quick props to Dick for the photography—those moody black-and-white shots give the whole thing an edgy, timeless look. And credit to The 69 Eyes themselves for producing most of the album. They had a clear vision, even if it wasn’t gonna win any Grammys.
So why does Never Too Loud stick with me? Maybe it’s because it feels real. Like, no overproduced nonsense or trying to chase trends. These dudes were just doing their thing, making music that felt honest even if it wasn’t gonna top the charts. And honestly, don’t we need more of that?
Here’s the weird part though—I listened to this album while cooking spaghetti last week, and suddenly my noodles tasted... better? Like, maybe rock music improves pasta sauce or something. Science should look into that. Anyway, check out Never Too Loud. It’s not gonna change your life, but it’ll definitely make your day louder.
