Deep Pool

Deep Pool’s debut, Something in the Eye, started with Jeff Kearns’ (The Hang Ups) desire to put together an honest-to-god rocking band. Over time it’s become something that’s not quite a permanent band lineup and not quite a solo album.

With a lineup of musicians such as the players on the Deep Pool CD, anyone inspired to make their own music and records will be forgiven for their envy: Freddy Votel, of Cows and Seawhores fame; Brian Tighe, who’s been the guiding light/partner-in-crime in The Hang Ups, The Owls, and The Starfolk, three of the best bands not just around Minnesota but around anywhere; Aaron Lundholm, Chadwick Nelson, Dave Boquist, Marcel Galang, Maria May, Matt Gerzema–put a check mark next to all those names when you’re making a list of most favorite and crazy-good musicians and singers.

Jeff’s been working on this collection of songs for a fair amount of time. Let’s just say it’s been less than 50 years but more than a couple of months. Through twists and turns, some arising from an obvious obsession with detail (obvious from the beautifully intricate and pretty much genius guitar parts all over the record), Jeff’s proceeded with an overwhelming desire and sense of purpose to “get it right” and make something worthwhile and lasting, while negotiating the happy/sad/redemptive/nutty currents that move through any segment of a person’s life during any given period of time (especially someone in tune with that mysterious higher power of art and inspiration). And he’s finally put it to bed, put his signature on it, and sent it off. Done.

Listeners are guaranteed a delightfully rough go deciding on favorite songs: the myriad surprising musical moments, popgasmic hooks, the joyously cool lyrics, the transcendent guitar parts happening everywhere, and superb playing by all involved on Something in the Eye are overflowing, like water spilling over the brim of a cup. It’s an emotional ride, and it works its magic in ways you won’t easily understand–that’s what art, musical or otherwise, should be about.