Rating: NN
Nickel Eye is the side project of Strokes bassist Nikolai Fraiture (get it? Nickel Eye/Nikolai?). Bad puns aside, there’s a reason he’s not the singer in his more famous band. He’s definitely not a strong or even charismatic singer.
Unfortunately, his songwriting isn’t much better, which is surprising given the catchy, melodic bass lines he’s consistently laid down at his day job. Guest appearances by Regina Spektor and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Nick Zinner fail to rescue the album, too.
Top track: Brandy Of The Damned
Nickel Eye drop by the El Mocambo Tuesday (January 20).