What are you up to in isolation?! Me? Well I’m just casually over here, melting into a puddle of feelings, courtesy of bands I’ve never heard of before. Naipia is one of those bands, with the UK trio brought to my attention due to the release of their newest single, “Lonely”, via Golden Robot Records.
If the band name seems like a misspelling of a New Zealand city, that’s because it kinda is. Vocalist and songwriter George Dewhurst was once lost in Napier, and the process of this led to him re-discovering the music inside him. This somewhat romantic moment is how the band came to be, and Naipia is completed by drummer Matt Leppenwell and bassist Harry Dewhurst (who is George’s cousin).
Setting himself up upon a barstool at a pub, George is the focal point of “Lonely”, both visually and aurally. An anthemic and swelling introduction pares back to a barside confession, before assuming a (shoeless) position in front of a microphone.
“Lonely”‘s singalong choruses are warm and the song’s entire vibe is easy and endearing, but it was the long held note at the two minute mark that inspired the aforementioned melting. High and radiant, all ears are pulled toward this unexpected moment of the track, which is delivered with an authentic and captivating voice.
“Take it from me, it can help you. Give yourself time.”
Blossoming into a fuller and sweeter gang vocal moment that carries through to the end of the song, it’s a bit like.. what loneliness? The song is a big hug in a catchy UK rock/pop way that beckons for future relistens. But if I’m understanding it correctly, “Lonely” is about the way that being alone can be a positive thing; helping you to get to know who you are, which benefits your life in greater ways.
Regardless of intention, “Lonely” is great, and my heart is warmed by having spent time with it today. Check it out via YouTube below. And if you dig it, go see how great it is live, thanks to Dan Maguire on YouTube (God I miss live music!).
