NICKEL EYE – THE TIME OF THE ASSASSINS

With scratchy vocals in the league of Shane MacGowan and Kurt Cobain and a debut which spans every genre from rock to folk with a tinge of reggae thrown in along the way, you would never guess that this band is the side project of The Strokes' bassist, Nikolai Fraiture (unless, of course, you looked at the name first.)
Composed of numerous poems and scribblings from Fraiture's younger days which he then set to music, 'The Time Of The Assassins' demonstrates the bassist's ability to take centre stage. The album exploits a vast range of musical techniques, for example, the infectious, incessant bassline of 'Intro (Every Time)', the whistles and plodding beat of 'This Is The End' and the heavily distorted guitars of 'Dying Star'.

The diversity of 'The Time Of The Assassins' is jaw-dropping. On one hand, 'Brandy Of The Damned' is a cross between the Specials and Bob Marley with its funky syncopated beat, whereas, on the other hand, 'Hey, That's No Way To Say Goodbye' is reminiscent of the ballads of one of Fraiture's favourite artists - Leonard Cohen. An excellent debut from one fifth of one of the most influential American bands.

By Devon Bianchi

Rating: 8/10
Format: Album
Release Date: Out Now
Label: Rykodisc / ADA Global
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