Bleary Eyed was formed in 2015 by frontman Nathaniel Salfi (guitar & vocals), now joined by Margot Whipps (bass & vocals), Pax Martyn (guitar), & Charlie Libby Watt (drums). Since their inception in the DIY scenes of DC and Philadelphia respectively, the band has taken many artistic turns. Through that experimentation, they’ve had time to grow into the sound they were always meant to make, filling a unique space in the shoegaze genre with their sample-heavy hazey computer pop atmosphere. The band presents both a positive yet outside energy with relatable lyrics with stacked harmonies from Whipps and Salfi over densely layered sample filled instrumentals. The songs teeter from more pleasant pop songs to heavier fuzz tracks sometimes blending elements from both styles.
On their most recent self-titled EP, a collection of four songs that combines an ethereal shoegaze shine with some of their post-punk roots, Bleary Eyed the EP possesses a certain shimmer. “I could write shit that’s really esoteric” says Salfi. “But I want to write stuff that’s fun and warm for people to enjoy too.”
That aforementioned warmth has always been Bleary Eyed’s golden string, the thing that has led them through the labyrinth of life and back to the sense of community and undeniable love that defines their origin story. You listen to the EP, and you feel it too, whether it’s the way that Whipps and Salfi’s voices effortlessly complement each other’s or the sense of light that permeates the release.
It’s been there all along, through all the different versions of the band but this time they really got it. However, it was only by waiting that Bleary Eyed could have a self-titled so radiant, and that’s worth all the time in the world.” ~ Samantha Sullivan
Proxi
Post alternative noise made with love in Caldwell, Idaho
Evan Zuri
evan.zuri (real name: Evan Zurilgen) is a musician based in Boise, Idaho. Starting as the frontman for the post-punk band Neocentrics in his teenage years, Evan has since struck out on his own, releasing his debut album Everything Thus Far (2019–2099) in September 2025 via the Boston-based record label Candlepin Records. He has also toured across the West Coast, opening for bands such as Sour Widows, Ringo Deathstarr, Bleary Eyed, and Guerilla Toss.Although Evan’s style of music is firmly rooted in the alternative/underground rock world, his influences span across decades. The technicality of King Crimson, the raw energy of Thin Lizzy, the guitar heroics of Dinosaur Jr., the melancholic lyrics of Pinback, and even the lo-fi, anthemic sound of modern-day bands such as Hotline TNT all find their way into Evan’s unique style. The result is a musical goulash, ripe with emotional weight and honesty, that will leave a lasting impact on anyone who chooses to listen.
