Though the band has always been active in the indie music scene, in 2004 they signed a contract with Sony-BMG, a major label. Navicula released their 4th album, Alkemis, with Sony-BMG. But, in 2007 they released their 5th album, Beautiful Rebel, independently and returned to following their ideals through the indie music scene. In 2009 Navicula released a 6th album “Salto”, and they are now working on their 7th full-length studio album (release date still to be announced). Navicula is based in Bali, but continue to keep up a national profile.
Navicula’s music is strongly influenced by alternative 90’s rock, especially grunge rock/Seattle sound, through bands such as Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, and Nirvana. But what makes their music so unique is their condition of beginning in the melting pot of modern Bali and having the opportunity to mold their creativity out of contrasts so extreme. From the spiritual mountains of Bali’s ancient kingdoms, to passion driven international artists who have come to find inspiration in Bali, and the raw punk rockers of down-town Kuta, this band finds their own taste through it all, the taste of ‘golden green grunge’, the taste of Navicula.
Navicula “the Green Grunge Gentlemen”
Navicula are known as “the Green Grunge Gentlemen”. Since the formation of the band back in the 90’s, environmental and social issues have been a consistent theme in Navicula’s music. Living in Bali, the band often finds inspiration in nature, and seeing the environmental changes happening in Bali and the world, this inspires many of the topics of their songs.
Navicula continues to support social and environmental campaigns in Indonesia and around the world. Following are some of their most recent Social/Eco-Actions:
2010: Navicula was chosen as official spokesperson for Live Earth Bali 2010. Live Earth is an International Organization founded by Emmy-winning producer Kevin Wall, in partnership with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. Live Earth seeks to leverage the power of entertainment through integrated events, media and the live experience to ignite a global movement aimed at solving the most critical environmental issues of our time.
2009: Navicula contributed the song “Mafia Medis” to Prita Muliyasari’s fight for medical justice and freedom of speech. The song was offered for free download on the band’s website, encouraging fans to listen to the song for free and then as payment donate directly to Prita’s cause (Koin untuk Prita).
2008: Navicula was featured on a national compilation album founded by LIPI to raise Disaster Awareness. Robi (vocalist of Navicula) along with Pepeng (drummer of Jakarta band Naif) we’re chosen as the spokespersons of the program and participated in giving trainings to communities in disaster prone areas of Indonesia, including Irian Jaya, Yogyakarta, and Bali.
2007 Navicula was awarded Environmental Ambassadors of Bali by the local government.
Navicula also is active as a performer, supporter, speaker, producer, as well as event organizer for many fundraisers, educational and art campaigns, social work, and sub-culture events.
Peace Pretenders
Navicula Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
By those who want control
Their greed consumes the world
And we forgot what love can hold
Peace will stay with me, Wherever I go
Peace will stay with me...
The prophets are one team
They could make us see
That peace is everything
We have lost
almost everything
Except love
It can be beautiful
Peace is everything
We have lost, we have lost,
We have love, love, love
This is just in my dreams
In this world, we
KILL, KILL, KILL!
Navicula's song "Peace Pretenders" talks about the illusion of peace that is created by those who are in control of the world. The song highlights the greed that consumes the world and how love is often forgotten amidst this greed. The opening lines of the song, "Peace was just for show, By those who want control" portrays the idea that those in power often use peace as a tool to maintain control over the masses.
The chorus of the song provides a glimmer of hope as the artist proclaims that "Peace will stay with me, Wherever I go". The artist is trying to convey that even in a world that is filled with conflict and strife, it is possible to hold on to the idea of peace. He then brings up the idea that if prophets were to unite to show that peace is everything, it could change the world. The artists then draws our attention towards the fact that we have lost almost everything, except love which can be truly beautiful. The song concludes by reiterating that while peace may be an illusion in the real world, it is something that we can hold on to in our dreams.
Line by Line Meaning
Peace was just for show
The idea of peace was only put on display to make it seem like those in power wanted peace, when in reality they only wanted control.
By those who want control
The people who were parading peace were really only interested in gaining power and control over others.
Their greed consumes the world
The selfish desire for more and more possessions and power has led to the destruction of the world and its resources.
And we forgot what love can hold
The obsession for power and wealth has caused us to forget the importance and beauty of love and compassion.
Peace will stay with me, Wherever I go
The singer promises to hold onto the idea of peace, no matter where they go or what they face.
If like in my dreams
The singer is imagining what the world would be like if their dream became a reality.
The prophets are one team
The singer believes that those who preach peace and love would unite to work towards a common goal.
They could make us see
The unified efforts of those who believe in peace and love could lead to a greater understanding and appreciation for these concepts.
That peace is everything
The singer believes that peace is the most important thing and that it should be prioritized above all else.
We have lost almost everything
Society has lost much of what makes it worthwhile due to the destructive effects of greed and selfishness.
Except love
The only thing that has remained pure and constant is the concept of love.
It can be beautiful
Love has the ability to create amazing and beautiful things if we allow it to.
Peace is everything
Once again, the singer reiterates the importance of peace in our lives.
We have lost, we have lost, we have love, love, love
Despite everything that has been lost, love still remains and it is something that should be cherished and appreciated.
This is just in my dreams
The singer acknowledges that their dream of a world filled with peace and love is not yet a reality.
In this world, we KILL, KILL, KILL!
The harsh reality is that the world is filled with violence and destruction, and the dream of peace seems just out of reach.
Contributed by Bentley S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dika Andri Wijaya
Mantap...!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥