Nihilistic Easyrider

Nihilistic Easyrider is the solo project of Jacob Duarte, better known as the frontman of the Texas heavy alt-rock band Narrow Head. Launched fairly recently, this project allows Duarte to explore a broader range of sounds and styles, blending elements from Y2K emo, pop punk, and alternative rock with a playful, hook-heavy approach. The debut album, *Deluxe Edition*, released in 2025 on Run For Cover Records, is described as a mixtape of sorts—a collection of songs written at different times throughout Duarte’s career, featuring contributions from artists like Momma and producer Graham Hunt. The music maintains the emotional depth and complexity that Narrow Head fans love, but ventures into new stylistic territory that includes fuzzy reveries and power-pop hookiness, with standout tracks like “Getaway Plan,” “Weekend Fever,” and “Facedown” showcasing this diverse sonic palette.

The name Nihilistic Easyrider actually comes from a song title from a band Jacob played in for over ten years, called Sexpill, and it became his Instagram handle before he decided to use it for his solo identity. Duarte emphasizes that this solo project isn't a departure from Narrow Head—he remains deeply invested in both, using Nihilistic Easyrider mainly to share songs that didn’t quite fit elsewhere. The album and its songs reflect themes of loneliness, romantic struggles, and life’s complexities, all delivered with a blend of heavy guitars, synth textures, and subtle nods to the sounds of bands like Deftones and Incubus, creating a fresh yet familiar experience for listeners.