Black Eyes

**Black Eyes** was a dynamic post-punk band that erupted from Washington, D.C.’s early 2000s DIY scene, blending frenetic energy with danceable chaos. Known for their raw, experimental sound, the band combined jagged guitars, dual drummers, and saxophone yelps into a sweaty, cathartic mix. Their self-titled debut (2003) and follow-up *Cough* (2004)—both released on the iconic Dischord Records—captured their confrontational yet groove-driven ethos, with tracks like “Hostile Design” showcasing their knack for twisting punk intensity into something unpredictably funky.

Though short-lived (they called it quits in 2004), Black Eyes left a lasting dent in the post-hardcore landscape. Members went on to projects like Mi Ami and Merchandise, but their legacy as pioneers of D.C.’s art-punk swirl—unapologetically weird and fiercely danceable—still echoes in basement shows and indie circles today.