New Zealand indie-pop newcomer Navvy, has quickly made herself an artist that you need to be acquainted with. The buzz surrounding her is rapidly building and the next chapter in her sonical evolution is an important one to be on board for.
Her debut EP ‘The Breakup EP’ was an emotionally charged collection of tracks that introduced listeners to her slick indie-pop palette and took them on a personal journey of heartbreak, confusion and anger.
However that is only one side of the story, and she’s ready to show the growth she’s been through and how you can come through the other side a stronger person and still have a friendship intact with the person that broke your heart.
‘No Hard Feelings’ is a cohesive collection of tracks that tells the next chapter of the story and unveils a heightened indie-pop production which is ultimately so exciting.
Opening with ‘Safety In Numbers’ she delivers a Julia Michaels styled vocal delivery as she reminisces on the post break-up emotions that saw her drowning in her emotions and question how long they knew they were leaving her. But as she reaches the chorus she realises that she’s not alone and she can ultimately get through this rough patch and it ignites with empowering synth percussion.
Taking the next step into the process, ‘Mad At You’ hears her listing all the reasons she could still be mad at them and acting out of spite, but at the end of the day she can’t be mad at them. After all we are all human, and they shared a special and unique bond that can never be forgotten.
To contrast this story, she adds a sassy indie-pop twist within the production that sees the hook instantly standing out and giving a polished refrain that sounds like something Katy Perry could spin out and comfortably sit at number one worldwide. So, basically what I’m trying to say is that it’s a banger.
Title track ‘No Hard Feelings’ is the EP’s clear standout for many reasons. And one of those reason is the DIY indie-pop production that just makes this song sound so fresh and funky.
Lyrically it really embraces the whole concept of the EP with the acknowledgment that she’s come to a place where she can accept what’s happened, move on and be happy while also still have them in her life. It’s a very mature out look and it’s one that I feel a lot of people will be able to resonate with.
“I’m not mad at you for breaking my heart. I’m not mad at you for tearing us apart. I had my time to cry it out. I’m doing so much better now” she sings during the second verse.
Closing out the EP is the contrastingly different ‘Scared To Be Happy’ which takes a more somber and cinematic approach. Starting with just keys and slowly building with sweeping strings, this track feels like the perfect closer to an intimate affair.
With the song ending with the lyric; “They say when you break up, you break up two times. The first when you leave, the last time you cry. I haven’t cried over you in a while now”, you can’t help but feel a sense of emotional release as she closes this chapter of her life.
She’s grown a lot and this EP is a key reflection of that.