The newest album from Nap Eyes comes at a perfect time. Many people are currently sitting at home in quarantine, left alone with their own thoughts, and very likely on the cusp of an existential crisis. Snapshot of a Beginner provides an unlikely soundtrack to such moments, though in a way that’s closer to meditative breathing than it is to “end of the world” panic.
Vocalist Nigel Chapman sounds like he is constantly in a state of dreaming, with a lulling voice that sleepily contemplates all of life’s curve balls. “So Tired” sets that tone from the beginning. “I’ve been so tired of proving it to you when it should be easy,” Chapman sighs over a chill beat and dreamy guitar riffs.
Chapman’s writing often feels fragmented, like scattered excerpts from an illegible journal. It feels as though we’re getting a private glimpse at Chapman attempting to make sense of his own jumbled thoughts. The scale with which he grapples with this varies. “Fool Thinking Ways” is a more personal reflection on a short-lived revelation, one that ends up being squashed by Chapman’s own perceived shortcomings. Meanwhile “Primordial Soup” exists on a more cosmic level, with the concept of evolution a main focus in the lyrics.
Still, despite the elusive concepts the band tries to grab hold of, they often take moments to have fun with it. “Mark Zuckerberg” is an amusing departure that uses its silly foundation to turn heads before transitioning into more philosophical territory. The band also pay homage to the Legend of Zelda series on “Dark Link”, achieving surprising success at using moments in the game as insightful metaphors about perseverance and man’s duality.
Much of the album is backed by hazy guitar, most songs wrapped in the warm shimmer of a summer afternoon. Certain songs break this mould in a refreshing change of pace. “If You Were In Prison” shines a spotlight on guitarist Brad Loughhead. The simple, repetitive lyrics feel more like a backdrop than anything to the fervent wail of guitar.
Still, it’s clear that Nap Eyes take their name seriously, as for the most part they choose to keep things at a relaxed pace. Snapshot of a Beginner offers a comfortable space for dissecting one’s own inner thoughts – which, in such uncertain times, is a welcome gesture.