Immediately as the Canadian indie-rock band Nap Eyes stepped on stage late on a Friday night, the entire atmosphere in Schubas Tavern changed. Never having listened to Nap Eyes’ music before, I went in knowing absolutely nothing and even debated about not going-- but thank God I did because this band made my night. Nap Eyes effortlessly evokes a feeling of warmth and youth that can make anyone nostalgic for those long summer nights.

Nap Eyes is lead by vocalist Nigel Chapman, guitarist Brad Loughead, bassist Josh Salter, and drummer Seamus Dalton. Clad in ankle-cut jeans, pinstripes, and even crushed velvet, the entire ensemble proved to be eclectic, yet exceptionally laid back. As frontman, Nigel Chapman, wore a soft grin as soon as he came on stage--a perfect preface for the warm sound to come. The laid back vibe was further enhanced when I noticed that drummer Seamus Dalton was dampening his drum set with what appeared to be dish towels. Josh Salter was definitely the comedian of the four, frequently engaging in quick genuine conversations and banter with the audience and even clinked beers with an audience member after they said that their favorite band was Nap Eyes. The chemistry between the Nap Eyes and the audience was evident as everyone was completely engaged as they spoke between songs and performed. As the sixth stop on Nap Eyes’ North American tour, the band felt comfortable and completely settled into their new and steady LP I’m Bad Now. I’m Bad Now is Nap Eyes’ third record and has mastered the mix of a subtle delivery of lyrics and a deeper meaning below the surface. Nigel Chapman, vocalist, lazily let the lyrics of each track roll off his tongue, creating a vibe for the crowd that seemed to induce a collective sway in everyone.

Though most of their setlist was focused on their new LP, they pulled a few older songs out like “Stargazer” from their second record Thought Rock Fish Scale which sent those in the audience familiar with Nap Eyes into a chorus of cheers. The guitar opened the song with delicate rhythm and a consistent beating of the drum from the back of the stage. Songs like “Stargazer” evoked a genuine feeling of warmth and youth and I couldn’t help but smile everytime the guitar made it’s response to Nigel Chapman’s voice. “Every Time the Feeling”, off I’m Bad Now, catalyzed a similar reaction in the audience but it also showed how their music has changed, even from just their previous record. The guitar, a little more prevalent and a little more harsh on delivery, as opposed to the soft rhythm throughout their Thought Rock Fish Scale record--but this slight change of sound and pace was welcome. The change of sound is further seen in “Hearing the Bass” where sweet arpeggios on Loughead’s guitar accompany the lyrical alliterations from Chapman, who offered an endearing chuckle mid chorus after stumbling briefly on the lyrics.

The set felt brief even though it was almost an hour, and when Nap Eyes began to leave the stage, the audience launched into chanting for an encore. Nigel Chapman returned to the stage and somewhat reluctantly being to sing and play again with Brad Loughead who made his way back to the stage. The song was clearly not prepared and any other band who stumbled through the lyrics as much as Chapman did during that song would have left the audience disappointed. Yet, something about Chapman and Nap Eyes is so endearing and genuine that this made the band even more lovable, especially when Chapman- laughing- asked the audience if any of them knew the lyrics and could help him. When they left the stage, permanently this time, I found myself sticking around with the rest of the audience as nobody seemed even remotely eager to leave.

Overnight, Nap Eyes worked their way into being one of my favorite bands. The laid back vibe from this engaging indie-rock band is infectious, leaving me feeling nothing but completely content and warm from their music.