Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Nap Eyes

Nap Eyes | Photo by Eric Schuman for WXPN

Joining us for this latest Indie Rock Hit Parade live session is a band with some of the most sneaky-catchy songs you’re likely to hear all year. Nap Eyes formed in 2011 out of the solo project of singer/guitarist Nigel Chapman. Joined by bassist Josh Salter and drummer Seamus Dalton, the group is rounded out by lead guitarist Brad Loughead. Earlier this year, Nap Eyes released their third proper album, I’m Bad Now. The album has a breezy, laid-back quality that evokes keystone records by Silver Jews or early Wilco. The band visited us before their show at Johnny Brenda’s to perform some of the new songs in our studio.

Our session with Nap Eyes begins with “Everytime The Feeling,” which also served as the first single from I’m Bad Now. The song is a tightly-arranged delight, with Loughead’s searing guitar taking the song to lofty heights. Next is the album’s near-title track, “I’m Bad.” A knotty, mid-tempo rocker that’s centered on Chapman’s wandering vocals, it’s the centerpiece of the album as well as our session. Closing the set is “Dull Me Line,” with an instantly memorable chorus and playful interplay between the band’s rhythm section.

Listen to Nap Eyes’ Indie Rock Hit Parade session below and check out some photos from the studio: