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STARRY EYES TACKLES ADDICTION AND THE DEATH OF A FRIEND IN THEIR SOPHOMORE EP "CIAO BELLA II"

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Grunge-pop rockers STARRY EYES proudly announce the release of their highly anticipated new album, CIAO BELLA II, the concluding chapter of their transformative CIAO BELLA era. This powerful collection marks the end of a deeply personal journey, featuring the soaring, emotionally charged singles “Aloha,” “Trouble,” and “Frost on the Pane.” Each track reflects the band's poignant response to the tragic loss of their former drummer, Matthew Scoggins, and frontman Kyle Tekiela’s struggles with his father’s heroin addiction.

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Emerging from the sun-drenched coast of California, STARRY EYES channels the grunge-infused spirit of 1990s Seattle with a unique twist. Their sound is a compelling mix of Radiohead’s atmospheric experimentation and AFI’s emotionally charged intensity, blending the best of both grunge/alt-rock and emo sensibilities into one cohesive package. The band’s music, rich with bittersweet optimism and deep, haunting storytelling, explores the shadows of human experience while celebrating hope and redemption. CIAO BELLA II is no exception, representing both a heartfelt goodbye and a powerful embrace of the future.

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The album stands as a tribute to former drummer Matthew Scoggins, who passed away unexpectedly due to drug-related causes. His sudden departure left a void that seemed insurmountable. Concurrently, Kyle Tekiela has been grappling with the impact of his father's heroin addiction, which has profoundly influenced his life and music. Despite these overwhelming personal challenges, the remaining members, guitarist John Shippey and vocalist Kyle Tekiela, found solace and strength through their music. CIAO BELLA II is a testament to their resilience, offering a profound exploration of themes such as addiction, loss, and the healing power of art.

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Kyle Tekiela reflects on the album's significance: “CIAO BELLA II is our way of honoring Matthew and all the beauty and pain he brought into our lives, as well as confronting my own struggles with my father’s addiction. It’s a somber farewell to the past and an optimistic look toward what’s to come. We’ve poured our hearts into these tracks, turning our grief and personal battles into a celebration of life even in the darkest of times.”

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The songs also serve as the soundtrack to a new True-Crime Podcast about front man Kyle Tekiela’s father’s alleged ties to the Chicago Mafia. The series comes from iHeart Radio and TenderfootTV (Up and Vanished, To Live and Die In LA) and is scheduled to premiere early next year. “These songs were written with many of these stories of murder and crime as premise, so it’s only fitting that they serve as a musical accompaniment.” Says Kyle, who also hosts the podcast. "It’s all part of one great big fucked up story that I think audiences will absolutely love."

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The album’s lead singles—“Aloha,” “Trouble,” and “Frost on the Pane”—are evocative and raw, capturing the essence of the band's emotional journey. Each song offers a glimpse into their collective experience of loss and personal turmoil, with “Frost on the Pane,” a stripped-down, almost-acoustic number, poignantly addressing the impact of Matthew's death. These tracks not only showcase STARRY EYES’ signature blend of gritty rock and melodic undertones but also provide a deep, introspective look at their personal struggles and triumphs.

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Recorded with the same analog warmth and fidelity that characterized their previous work, CIAO BELLA II benefits from the expertise of legendary producer Mark Rankin, whose distinctive sound is heard on albums by Queens of The Stone Age, Spoon, and Weezer.

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As STARRY EYES wraps up this chapter with CIAO BELLA II, they continue to prove that even in the face of profound loss and personal struggle, the power of music can illuminate the path forward. Their ability to transform pain into hope and redemption resonates deeply, making CIAO BELLA II a powerful conclusion to an era marked by both struggle and triumph.

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