Nicole Saphos Band – “Keepin’ Eyes”

Photo Credit: Jordana Rubenstein-Edberg
“Keepin’ Eyes” is a dynamic and expressive single from Philadelphia-based Nicole Saphos Band, taking inspiration from “her thoughts surrounding patterns and compulsive behaviors.” The single impresses with its dynamic, quality songwriting — swelling from quaint folk-friendly musings into an ardent rock styling, swapping with cohesive and melodic strengths throughout.
The track evolves with a steady confidence, quickly ascending from a bare bass line and panting percussion into tender guitar licks and mellow keys. Saphos’ questioning vocals — “my love, where have you been?” — enamors with a nostalgic sophisti-pop quality. The added guitar lines and evolving vocals build with satiating, seamless qualities into the title-referencing hook, and the dreamy “can’t help,” punctuation. A glistening array of guitars approach the two-minute turn with starry-eyed wonderment, with the vocals assuming a more rock-friendly form alongside distorted guitars.
“Keepin’ Eyes” is a standout success from Nicole Saphos Band, featuring Saphos on bass alongside longtime bandmates Ele Rubenstein (drums) and John Lee (guitar).
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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of February 2023’ Spotify playlist.