Nap Eyes October 21, 2017 at the Valley Bar, Phoenix AZ [Touring for their Thought Rock Fish Scale album]
Having gone in cold with regards to Alvvays’s opener, Nap Eyes, my first impression was colored by my Sold Out ticket saving savior and friendly Canadian Concert going buddy, Andrew. He said they are in the vein of Belle and Sebastian... to which I responded, to the effect of great, as I love me some B&S!
But after listening to their first song, they reminded me way more of Luna and a friend said as well Velvet Underground, who inspired Luna, so hey, makes sense.
Stage presence wise the quartet looked like your average guys, but with some 90′s fashion and one of them reminded me immediately of a Psychedelic Dave Grohl. Their Canadian politeness shone through in their awkward but humble stage presence, but I found it adorable as I found their songs one after the other guitar entrancing with thoughtful lyricism.
After the show, I was able to chat with “Psychedelic Dave”--the bassist, Josh Salter and the lead singer, Nigel Chapman. I told them I liked what I heard, that it reminded me of Luna--a fave band of mine to which Josh liked the sound of that also being a Luna fan. As his more famous doppleganger seems to be, he was very easy to chat with and friendly. I proceeded to purchase their latest and had them sign it and their setlist which is by far the tiniest setlist I’ve acquired... noted on the back of a thrift store tag by their Guitarist, Brad, who Nigel said was good about crafting them up every show. I love the make do with what scraps of paper you have on hand ingenuity--but I’m now curious where the tag came from as its for a ladies blouse--Ha! I gave them my 0.28 mm uniball signo to sign with and Josh signed with a mini pic of himself which reminded me of the time I had Lavender Diamonds Drummer/Artist Ron Rege, Jr sign their CD way back when one of his art pieces was featured at the art museum and Lavender Diamond welcomed me into their overly loving world.
I can’t wait to dig into the songs and lyrics! 2017 has been a musical year that is streaked with 90′s music vibes it makes me so so happy!
To listen to an abbreviated setlist performed at the Valley bar--abbreviated because Spotify does not have all the songs listed available to listen to..., go here: https://open.spotify.com/user/irisa27/playlist/6axyUdvau0GSRDMo5MRjz7
