21 January 2025 - 0 Comments

Napoleon Baby are redefining the indie-rock landscape with Blueprint, a four-track EP that blends searing honesty, razor-sharp social commentary, and a ferocious sound. Drawing inspiration from iconic British bands like The Jam, Oasis, and Arctic Monkeys — who made real-life struggles the cornerstone of their music — and infused with the rebellious spirit of American alt-rock legends like Violent Femmes, Pixies, and The Stooges, Napoleon Baby craft anthems that resonate deeply with the disenchanted and the defiant.

Listen Here

Blueprint dives headfirst into the undercurrents of modern society, unpacking themes of complacency, idol worship, and self-delusion. The EP features the unreleased title track Blueprint, recent singles Sailors and Unworthy Boys, and a raw, electrifying cover of Blur’s Beetlebum.

Blueprint’

The EP’s title track is a look-back at a life let slip by, blending a single note guitar riff over an imitating vocal melody, “25 years I want 25 more”, “I want something I want, not something I need. Education or a moment with god”. It encapsulates what it means to follow no ideology, no ambition, no dream yet somehow, get everything you’re told you want, everything you’re told you need, by following a blueprint.

An age old cliche of unplugging yourself, stepping away from the norm, but does life have to be so premeditated for us. Some of us are happy to go through the phases of life as handed to the and not stray from the Blueprint of cultural expectations….It’s also about idiots who have no personality and no idea about how to attempt any form of living.

"I kept meeting people, becoming friends, then notice then completely disassociate from who they are, all because they’ve been raised to believe the time is now to end the way we live…. in some ways, I’m envious of the strive for mediocracy…. it could also be that I’m a nightmare of a person and they can’t be around me anymore” - Daniel Jones

Unworthy Boys

In an era where influence is currency and charisma often outshines substance, Unworthy Boys cuts through the noise as a sharp critique of today’s cultural climate and dares to ask “why are young men placing their faith and trust in unworthy demigods?”

With an unflinching gaze, Unworthy Boys examines the allure of the internet personality, the self proclaimed guru, the pseudo-evangelist, and even the fighter-turned-celebrity — figures who dominate screens and capture hearts without credentials to back their dominance. Through dynamic instrumentation and compelling lyrics, the track calls attention to the “moron on the rampage” — a reflection of misplaced adulation in a society that often values entertainment over expertise.

But Unworthy Boys is more than just a critique — it’s a rallying cry. It challenges listeners to question the idols they elevate and to reflect on what’s missing in the lives of young men that drives them to seek validation and purpose in these hollow figures. Is it a lack of guidance? A sense of disconnection? Or the seductive simplicity of a ready-made identity in an increasingly complex world?

Packed with raw energy, biting social commentary, and a melody that demands to be heard, Unworthy Boys is more than a song — it’s a conversation starter. Whether you’re nodding along in agreement or grappling with its implications, one thing is clear: this track won’t be ignored.

Sailors

With a satirical edge, Sailors takes aim at self-centred egomaniacs and those who weaponize self diagnoses to evade accountability. Driven by a relentless drumbeat and gritty guitars, the track captures the raw power of Napoleon Baby’s live performances. The narrative critiques how they manipulate self-perception and external perceptions, questioning the authenticity of their self awareness and the sincerity of their introspection. Napoleon Baby chief songwriter, Dan, says, “It’s a homage and an awakening for those of us who only want to remain in the red, who want to always be in the fight…basically hipster arseholes who never leave their small town”.

Beetlebum

A tender acoustic rendition of the Blur classic Beetlebum. “Sometimes you don’t need a reason to do something. If you like it and feel you can do it justice, then why not.

A Bold Anthem for the Disenchanted

With Blueprint, Napoleon Baby prove they are unafraid to tackle uncomfortable truths, delivering a visceral and thought-provoking musical experience. Equal parts critique and call to arms, the EP invites listeners to question the status quo, confront their own complacency, and reject the shallow narratives that dominate our culture.

Blueprint is out on 21st Jan on all major streaming platforms.

Napoleon Baby play Ponsonby Social Club, Auckland on 1st March In support of the EP release. They will be joined by Thinking Foxes and Melon Heart.

Comments

Return to News Archive