Nickel Eye
Nickel Eye is the solo project of The Strokes' bassist Nikolai Fraiture. The band consists of Nikolai Fraiture (guitar, vocals, electric bass, double bass, harmonica), Joel Cadbury (steel guitar), Jamie McDonald (guitar) and Brett Shaw (drums).
When The Strokes’ hiatus began lasting longer than expected, Nikolai reached into an old shoebox of poems and rants written years ago. With his free time, he began adapting them to music. Enlisting the help of South, a UK band introduced to him by a friend, Nickel Eye recorded some demos at South Studios in Hackney, London. With some guest appearances by Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Regina Spektor, The Time of the Assassins was completed a few months later in New York City.
Due to the recent regrouping of the Strokes to focus on a new album, Nickel Eye has been placed on the back burner. However, Fraiture expresses deep desire to continue where he left off when he can.
The Time of the Assassins
Nickel Eye's debut album, The Time of the Assassins, released on January 27, 2009 via Rykodisc, is a "pretty stripped down" collection of guitar, bass, drums, and a touch of mellotron. The album is written and produced by himself. It is musically inspired by some of his favourite artists, such as Neil Young, Frank Black, Leonard Cohen and The Kinks. The artwork is reminiscent of Lynd Ward’s Gods’ Man, a collection of woodcuts considered to be one of the first graphic novels. The lyrics and theme for The Time of the Assassins found their impetus during a road trip across the United States of America when Nikolai was nineteen.
Podcasts:
Nickel Eye
ALBUMS
- The Time of the Assassins released: 2009
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Back From Exile
by: Nickel EyeLet me tell you the story of a man
In New Orleans where his troubles began
If you've ever lost a love, then you might understand
But never count your chips, son, until the last hand
When the fever struck I was left to my demise
For many years I was forced to walk the line
But I saw a vision of the Phoenix rise
Hello motherfuckers, 'cause I'm back from exile
I'm back from exile
I'm back from exile
If the water is still you can expect an attack
The same hands you shook put the knife in your back
You know, vultures and wolves always travel in packs
And the cowards come running as they cover their tracks
I'm more mad at myself I couldn't realize
But I vowed to return and take back what once was mine
In the cold, cold morning with the sleep still in your eyes
Hello motherfuckers, 'cause I'm back from exile
I'm back from exile
I'm back from exile
If I would have known that if I should fall from grace
You'd be the first to kick dirt into my face
Don't you remember how we got to this place
All I ever wanted was a meaningful embrace
I'd forgive you if I could and if the nightmares would subside
But you judged before I was ever put on trial
And oh my good friend, I do apologize
Hello motherfucker, 'cause I'm back from exile
I'm back from exile
I'm back from exile