Eye Witness

Digital copy of our new album, A Pleasant Tomorrow:

To purchase a physical CD copy:

CD quantities can be updated during checkout.

Eye Witness is the indie-folk duo of Milo and Rainy. They hail from West Boylston, MA and are frequenters of the music scene in Worcester MA and parts beyond. They have stories to tell.

EW started life as a three-piece rock band. Although a drummer by trade, Rainy is a multi-instrument maven, taking up bass duties in that incarnation of the band; this foreshadowed the band's eventual foray into a wider range of musical expression. Milo was and still is on guitar and lead vocals, as well as the principal songwriter. EW had their first show on March 1st 2007 and have continued to be a staple of the local scene.

The fall of 2008 saw the band shift their focus and sound to a more minimalist approach, calling on folk and blues influences alike to forge a new identity. Despite re imagining itself as a duo, the band's palette of sound saw a rapid expansion. Milo now plays acoustic guitar, along with mandolin, autoharp, harmonica and banjo. Rainy primarily took over percussion (choosing a stripped down set over a conventional rig), as well as flute, clarinet, bass, accordion, melodica, xylophone, ukulele and backing vocals.

Halfway through a show on 06/07/08, Milo proposed to Rainy onstage at Ralph's in Worcester. She, of course, accepted. Otherwise, it may have made for quite an awkward second half of the set. They were married in September of 2009, in a fun ceremony complete with a kazoo crew belting out "Here Comes the Bride" . They have a home in West Boylston where they live, love, write and rehearse. They have welcomed a sweet dog named Lupe who is their constant companion and patient critic of all their works.

Eye Witness has chosen to explore musical pathways that traditional American folk and blues have carved out for decades. This path has revealed a rich history of American mythology that they are adept at whittling into memorable songs and melodies. Milo's songwriting ruminates on themes of life, death, lost love, deals with the devil at lonely crossroads, delivered with an energy and earnestness that pays homage to the likes of Billy Bragg, Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt and Leonard Cohen, to name a few. Rainy's presence is felt in every song as she guides and shapes the music with her exhaustive instrumentation which adds creative color where needed. Although the music can arguably be classified as "folk", the band defies strict labels, especially since the music is delivered with the energy of punk and the melancholy of traditional blues. Only the unseen future knows where the band's continuing transformation will take them in terms of music, lyrics and showmanship.

~Fardeen C. Jan 2010

Pulse Magazine Oct/11

Eye Witness' A Pleasant Tomorrow

By Bruce Elliott

Original article: http://www.thepulsemag.com/wordpress/2011/10/1011-up-comers

Eye Witness, a politically charged, socially conscious folk duo from West Boylston, has something to say ~ and the voice to say it. Their latest CD, A Pleasant Tomorrow, an ironic title considering the weighty material, runs as cold, dark, and deep as the Atlantic, but their message is delivered with such passion and conviction that it cannot be ignored.

Principal songwriter, lead vocalist, and guitarist Milo proposed to multi-instrumentalist wife Rainy during a gig at Ralph’s in Worcester back in 2008. Together they have created one of the quirkiest, most charming and original musical acts to come out of the Worcester area in many years. Eye Witness is Dylan meets The Velvet Underground, but with a healthy mix of blues and the Irish punk attitude of The Dropkick Murphys.

The CD opens strongly with “Which Side Are You On,” a classic union song written by Florence Reese, the wife of a union organizer in 1931. Milo’s haunting voice and guitar blend well with Rainy’s percussion and backing vocals. Their minimalist approach lends a timeless quality to each song. “No More” and “You Can Run” point out the futility of war and the hypocrisy of nationalism and militaristic pride. Many songs have the weight of death hanging upon them. “Black Crow Blues” is a first person love letter from a dying man to his young bride. “The Alpha Male is Dead” questions leaders controlled by greed and profit at the expense of our planet and its people.

Worcester Magazine June/11

Eye Witness forecasts a pleasant tomorrow
by Janet Schwartz

Original article: http://www.worcestermag.com/home/top-stories/Eye-Witness-forecasts-a-pleasant-tomorrow--122961068.html

Traditionalists might call Eye Witness an indie folk band, but the band describes itself as "Dark Folk" or "Dark Indie Folk." Although the band started in 2007, the husband/wife team really formed when Milo, the band's founder, discovered Rainy on Craigslist. Rainy was somewhat secretive that she was female because "It tends to be a needlessly influential factor for some people: either they want you to play because you're a chick and don't care if you're good, or they don't want you to play because you're a chick and don't care if you're good," she says.

Milo decided to hire her because "she owned a bass guitar and liked the songs, and that was convincing enough for me to give her a shot." Turns out, they really hit it off. Milo proposed to Rainy on stage at Ralphs' in June 2008. "It was pretty epic," recalls Rainy. "He [Milo] had our friend Eryk come up on stage and play keyboard with him while he played this song he'd written for me called 'Elephant Shoe.' Obviously, I said yes..."

A self-taught musician, Milo plays guitar, lead vocals and is the principal writer. Rainy plays drums and bass and sings backup vocals. Her musical training consists of participating in the UMass Minuteman Drum Line back in 2003. When not writing, practicing and playing, their "day jobs" are in the music industry: helping to maintain a music website and working in a record store. But for these musicians, it's not a steady diet of music. Rainy referees for the Central Mass Roller Derby, when time allows, and they both enjoy their weekly routine of bowling. Their unique and quirky interests and life style also personifies their music.

Many of the tunes on their debut CD, "A Pleasant Tomorrow," are gritty, somber and lyric-driven, rooted in themes of life and death. The rhythmic, almost hypnotic simplicity of the melodies are compelling, driving the hard themes home. In "Which Side Are You On?," an old folk song by Florence Reese, Milo's deep, tremulous voice is forceful as he belts out a Billy Bragg version of the song made famous by Pete Seeger. His distinct voice is almost screaming in "Free From You" and you can hear Rainy's Minuteman Drum Line experience filter through in the military, repeating of the drum.

With only two members, Eye Witness thinks of themselves as minimalists, doing less with more, always looking for new sounds, which comes across as you hear the amazing array of instruments on the CD: violin, accordion, banjo, harmonica, flute, clarinet, autoharp and mandolin. The cello, played by Alissa Mott and Alex Jordan, is prominent on the CD, along with Roger Lavallee, who recorded some guitar and synth parts along with recording, mixing and mastering the CD.

Milo and Rainy actively switch instruments between songs and are not afraid to experiment with new sounds. "Devil and Me" shows off their fascination with all kinds of sounds and noise, contrasting loud and quiet, along with static sounds and radio clips folded in to this band-favorite track.

Influenced by artists that range from Bob Dylan to Velvet Underground to Mission of Burma, the sound of Eye Witness is straightforward and compelling, encouraging listeners to attend to the dark lyrics delivered with passion by Milo. And they both agree on their major influence: Tom Waits. Come join this original band for its CD release party at Hotel Vernon on Friday, June 3. Cake and 3D glasses will be available to help celebrate Milo's birthday! For more information, check them out at eyewitnessrocks.com and facebook.com/eyewitnessrocks.

Pulse Magazine June/08

Eye Witness
Answering the call of the road

By Matthew Erhartic

Shortly after wrapping up their July 3rd gig at The Lucky Dog, Eye Witness bassist Rainy and singer/guitarist Milo will embark on a seemingly Bob Dylan tune inspired adventure, panhandling across the country playing street corners and coffee houses.

"We actually just bought Milo a case of harmonicas and a holder today so we can be real life-folk musicians. We're taking my car, assuming I have one that runs at that point," Rainy shrugs. "We have some friends and family around the country that will hopefully let us sleep in their guest beds, living rooms, bathtubs?work is for suckers."

The couple's quirky and carefree attitude perfectly reflects their music. Along with their drummer, Mr. Pete, Eye Witness have been perking up ears in the Worcester club circuit with their brand of Modern Lovers seasoned indie pop, channeling early to mid 80s college radio with "keep you guessing" lyrics that may leave even Beck or Jonathan Richman scratching their heads.

Initially inspired by a bumper sticker, "United We Stand" begins with a shuffle beat and lyrics painted with political overtones before unleashing a noise-laden chorus that could've easily wedged itself on an early nineties Sub-Pop compilation.

Arguably their finest moment is "Celebrate Your Life," an epic track that feels like a great beer- soaked Irish Hymn written by the Clash's Joe Strummer.

Although the band is still relatively new in Clubland's eyes, Milo describes their fanbase as quite loyal.

"We've seen some pretty intense dance moves, which is always encouraging," she said. "It's nice to see that our music can make people get up and look ridiculous. We seem to get a pretty level response among different groups of people?the bar-sitters, the corner hanger-outers. That's pretty cool for us, to be able to appeal to a variety of people."

Eye Witness has been shaking hands with the city's music elite as well: Lucky Dog's Erick Godin has affectionately compared their sound to "?the Velvet Underground meeting the Pixies" and Tremolo Lounge producer and recent Worcester Music Award winner Roger Lavallee has begun talks with the band about recording this fall.

The band formed last year after Mr. Pete and Milo began working on some of Milo's original compositions. After coming to the realization that they needed a bassist, they pulled up craigslist and found Rainy, a drummer who had recently put down her sticks for the four string.

Eye Witness promises to put on an entertaining show always and have admitted to having a card up their sleeve. "We have a girl bass player?yeah, that's right a girl bass player and she's totally hot." The band's quirkiness gives them a charm that shines through the music and win fans over. "We're a simple three-piece rock band," Milo says. "All about the sex, drugs, and rock n roll, with out the sex and drugs."

The Noise May/08

Joel Simches, The Noise

"With their opening fist pumping salvo "United We Stand," this three piece from Worcester's anthemic message echoes the sentiments of Bob Geldof, the Clash, Billy Bragg, and the Alarm for change and unity for a better tomorrow. Though the sound of the band suffers a bit from lack of production values, the raw DIY approach only underscores the politically charged message of the band, who coyly describe themselves as "occasionally color coordinated." However their outfits match onstage, their music will make you rock out and even make you think."

Purchase the online version of our album here:
http://eyewitness.bandcamp.com/album/a-pleasant-tomorrow

For booking, please contact us at eyewitness_3@hotmail.com

Publicity Shots - photos by Nicki Ley.

Lucky Dog - Worcester MA

Anniversary Show at Ralph's - Worcester MA

O'Briens Pub - Boston MA

WRBB 104.9 - Northeastern University radio performance, Feb 28th 2010

WRBB 104.9 Northeastern University performance

Untitled banjo song

Deciding the track list!

In the Studio

Which Side Are You On?

The Devil and Me

"Free From You"

You Can Run

Lyrics:

Which Side Are You On?

This government had an idea
And parliament made it law
It seems like it's illegal
To fight for the union any more

Which side are you on, boys?
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on, boys?
Which side are you on?

We set out to join the picket line
For together we cannot fail
We got stopped by police at the county line
They said, "Go home boys or you're going to jail"

Which side are you on, boys?
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on, boys?
Which side are you on?

I'm Going to make it right
I'm Off to choose my side
I'm going to make it right
Or else ill lose my mind

It's hard to explain to a crying child
Why her Daddy can't go back
So the family suffer
But it hurts me more
To hear a scab say Sod you, Jack

Which side are you on, boys?
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on, boys
Which side are you on?

I'm bound to follow my conscience
And do whatever I can
But it'll take much more than the union law
To knock the fight out of a working man

Which side are you on, boys?
Which side are you on?
Which side are you on, boys?
Which side are you on?

I'm Going to make it right
I'm Off to choose my side
I'm going to make it right
Or else ill lose my mind

It's Not Okay

Play for keeps and take your place there is no purpose there is nothing to gain
Why you telling yourself it's not okay
Question everything your told erase your head now lose control
I'm still telling myself it's not okay
As we march in circles waiting for change
Throw away your crystal ball the future lies within us all
No ones listening now it's all a mistake get out of my head Mr. Consequence
You're no longer needed it's too soon to forget,
No ones listening now to what you have to say.
As we march in circles waiting for change.

Kumbaya someone's laughing, Kumbaya someone's crying,
Kumbaya someone's praying, Kumbaya I am singing.

Demand respect with a microphone pay attention to me do as your told
I'm afraid to think of what you might say
The truth will come your ears will bleed the stories you tell me of tragedy
I'm afraid to blink I'm living day to day
As we march in circles waiting for change

It's one more happy ending please I'm begging you God I'm on my knees
Why are you telling yourself it's not okay
The story was over this song was sung I did the best the best that I could
I'm still telling myself it's not okay
As we march in circles waiting for change.

No More

It's too much to much I'm calling
It's too little to late to hide
I wont be the one that falling left behind
I see what no ones seeing there is no shame no shame to fight
Take a look the earth is bleeding worlds collide.

No more make war, tell me what you're fighting for
The bridges will burn the point of no return
Make war no more tell me who's keeping score,
The bridges will burn the point of no return.

You're in no condition to tell me what it's all about
The life that we are wasting walk so proud.
Should I say what no ones saying listen up as I keep quiet
Take a look the earth is still bleeding worlds collide.

Promise me it's not going to end this way
Today is not going to be the day.

Free From You

Nobody knows I never intended to go show me the roads where I shall roam
I will survive I will survive the night
Down below under the earth the sun the sky the moon
Rise to the east the sun will prove
I have survived the night I have survived the night.

Free from you I am certain I am free from truth
Run for your life but leave no clues
No one can find no one can find what's mine

It's a hard hard life I wont compromise
It's a hard hard life we're running out of time

Surround me and take a look for yourself the human race
Not even you no one is safe
We try and we try we try to place the blame
When nothings as it seems open your eyes only to see
The best things in life they do come free
We buy and we buy there is nothing I don't need

Congratulations son you proved me wrong job well done
Follow your heart it leads to love
I am alive my god I'm alive it's right.

Leave it all behind leave it all behind walk away.

You Can Run

Educate intimidate each story has two sides
Black gold take control, did you read between the lines
Under penalty of perjury you signed away your rights
You're nothing more so settle the score the numbers never lie
There is no where left to go do or die

You talk the talk can you walk the walk
Actions speak louder the words
Gather the men to sell them the plans no ones the wiser I'm sure
Duty calls lets have a ball the time of our life what's yours
I appreciate if you'd open the gates, one by one will burn
There is no where left to go do or die

I will stand beside you, together we will unite
Their all out to get you you can run but you can't hide

When 9 to 5 is not enough to survive
It was all for nothing I've learned
Collect your check from the government to the end of the line good sir
You're on your own worked to the bone walk right into their trap
With temptation comes greed, hungry mouths to feed everyones under attack
Hope you had your fun pick up your guns, there's nothing left to confess
Give your wife a kiss say good bye to the kids save your prayers save your breath
You belong to me your my property the only way out is death.
When their is no where left to go do or die.

Black Crow Blues

Oh babe, don't lie lonesome after I'm gone
Don't mourn your young life away
Just lower me down with a prayer and a song
Just 'fore the breaking of day
Just 'fore the breaking of day

It's a life worth the living, but we all have to die
All your crying won't do me no good
Lower me down with a quick said goodbye
Pour in the black Texas mud
Pour in the black Texas mud

It's a hard road you're travelin', you can't walk it alone
Find a big man to stand beside you
Take him down to the river please show him my bones
Tell him, there lies a friend I once knew
There lies a friend I once knew

The black crow's a-screaming, the yellow sun's warm
The grass tumbles tall down the hill
There's a cold wind is blowing, it's bringin' a storm
When the call of the black crow goes still
When the call of the black crow goes still

Anywhere But Here

Dear God what have I done it's all gone wrong
Blame me no one needs to suffer this long
It's to late wouldn't you know it's misunderstood
If I could change it all you know that I would

Tell me why you wont look in my eyes
Tell me why the earth she cries

Aim high get low who are you going to tell
Did you pay the price I don't need your help
I knew all along tomorrows not gone
Move fast prepare yourself here we come

Take me anywhere but here it's fine
Anywhere but here is alright

Break free come clean when push comes to shove
No one seems to know what your running from
I can't help myself it must be nice
To live unaware now is not the time
We are not losing touch it's sink or swim
only the strong survive I hope you're not him

Dear God what have I done, Tell me who is the guilty one
Dear God it's all gone it's all wrong it's all done.

The Devil And Me

No I don't know how he knows but the devil surely knows my name
Now I'll go and rest my bones, find my certain fate
At war for my soul with a heart of gold no ones here to say
Three kind words now I'm pure I'll rest in peace

Go Away go away I'm afraid it's time to go
I want to stay I want to stay it's to late I want your soul
What's your fate?

Take your final breath alone with death now were face to face
Awaken my soul to each his own on Judgement day
Hold your crucifix in the fiery pits heaven in hells domain
Original sin tell me who is going to win my eternal flame

Free I am free I am free I'm not everybody
Please please believe I am me I'm not anybody.

In the Night

Don't go home all is quiet in the night
We wont go down with out a fight
Bite your tongue all is silent in the night
Hold my hand bring me to life
It is oh so cold I am naked in the night
It is oh so cold I am forsaken in the night
You left me with out a light

Don't let go hold on to me
I wont let go hold on to me
Don't let go hold on to me
I wont let go hold on to me
I wont.

Meet me here let no one see you in the light
Come alone we'll make things right
Don't go home all is quiet in the night
We wont go down with out a fight

The Alpha Male is Dead

It's man versus man come back tomorrow lets do this again
Lets rape this this land take what we want with out consequence
What's your master plan the future begins it ends with him
Watch it all collapse beneath your feet is a castle made of sand

You keep coming back only to hear the devil she laughs
Lets face the facts it takes one to know one lets leave it at that
Recognize the past her story repeats as the cycle begins
Watch it all collapse beneath your feet is a castle made of sand

Take as you please, I want it
It's more then you will ever need, don't tempt me
Take it away all this greed you put in my head

Divided in half split it in two from first to last
An equal chance take your share move onto the next
There's nothing left devour it all put it all to a rest
Watch it all collapse beneath your feet is a castle made of sand

The Alpha male is dead, it's all in my head.

How Much Longer

So here I am where will you be as I wait for the man to come set me free
Now we wait how much longer for this man you said walked on water
Don't walk away

On my grave is where I stand I'm looking down at the promised land
I bid farewell on Judgement day I will be brave I hear the angels sing
All the angels sing

Hallelujah with death my birth has come, hallelujah

The hours come there is no escape I walk alone I wont be late
Will you see me off as I leave there is no need to worry I have made my peace
I made my peace

Can you please remember me I found my man he sets me free
We're hand in hand as we walk away I'm coming home now I will sing
I will sing

Hallelujah with death my birth has come

Email us at eyewitness_3@hotmail.com

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Our Bandcamp page: http://eyewitness.bandcamp.com

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