Album Review: Everybody’s Watching and Nobody Cares

Everybody’s Watching and Nobody Cares is the latest release from ‘Napoleon Baby’ a three piece band based in Tamaki Makaurau and a musical unit that has built up quite some momentum in terms of releases over the last few years. Personnel- wise, the band is Daniel Jones (Vocals/Guitar), Jamie Leaver (Drums) Jesse Gush (Bass).

From a lyrical perspective, a band that describes itself as ‘Post punk agitators’ who deal with ‘Life ‘s injustices, annoyances, and daily struggles’ will find a tough row to hoe in the modern environment. Many artists look at social or societal issues by categorising them into the easy broad-definition of ‘political’ and then either reduce topics to cartoon soundbites before embracing them wholesale or assiduously ignore them through hiding in the first person perspective. No one hailing Nina Simone and Post Punk as influences are going to let themselves get away with that and pleasingly, the result throughout this album is an intelligent and sophisticated lyrical voice. Perspective is key here, as a range of characters look through the windows of their worlds and say what they see. Through the arc of an album, then, a viewpoint emerges that has nuance and insight and it’s all the more impactful for that.

Sound-wise, Napoleon Baby work in a traditional guitar/bass/drums/vocals set up, with a quoted range of quite disparate influence from Edith Piaf through Nina Simone, and Television to Queens of the Stone Age. Outside ears might hear some resonances with Hunters and Collectors and Midnight Oil as well. Because Napoleon Baby have the understanding of groove and dynamics that comes from constant playing together, their sound is taught, powerful and cohesive live playing. This in itself is a very strong reinforcement of the values Napoleon Baby expound. It’s a sound that walks the talk. Compare the brevity of Sailors with the stretching out of Sunrise (shame about the fade, though!- would have been nice to hear a coda on that)., and the assured sense of dynamics throughout make for the kind of cohesive instrumental sound which allows main vocalist Jones to shape effective vocal lines over the top.

Napoleon Baby show a skilled songwriting and instrumental approach with Everybody’s Watching and Nobody Cares. Added to that is a lyric approach that is refreshingly ‘real’ whilst avoiding unnecessary histrionics- making for a sound and fury that really does signify something. This combo of Instrumental power, lyrical sophistication and well-honed songwriting craft makes for a compelling listen and rewarding re-listens.