Nickel Eye Members, Gear & Sound

Nickel Eye is an indie rock project spearheaded by Nikolai Fraiture, best known as the bassist for The Strokes. Born out of a creative hiatus from his primary band, Nickel Eye allowed Fraiture to delve into his personal collection of old poems and lyrics. The group was formed with musicians from the English band South and features contributions from notable artists like Regina Spektor and Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Nick Zinner. Nickel Eye's music draws inspiration from the likes of The Kinks, Frank Black, and Leonard Cohen, crafting a sound that blends elements of folk rock, indie, and alternative. The project's debut album, Time of the Assassins, showcases Fraiture's flair for storytelling and melodic exploration.

Nickel Eye's sonic character is a tapestry of melodic bass lines and rich, textured guitar layers. The music often features a clean yet dynamic sound, with Fraiture's bass playing serving as a central melodic and rhythmic anchor. His use of the Fender American Standard Jazz Bass and Rickenbacker 4003 contributes to the warm, resonant tones that define the project. The guitar work, complemented by the Epiphone Riviera Nick Valensi Signature Electric Guitar, adds a layer of vintage charm, enhanced by thoughtful effects processing. The combination of these elements results in a sound that is both introspective and expansive, capturing a blend of nostalgic influences with a modern indie twist.