Waterford’s own Eva St Maria has arrived with a debut that feels both fresh and familiar. And we’re really excited to see how this one plays out!
“Naïve” is the first chapter in her upcoming visual EP Heartache, Baby!, and it does a great job of getting you excited for what’s to come. The track is a vibrant indie-pop anthem and a wake-up call to yourself. With bold visuals already accompanying the release and radio plays quickly rolling in, Eva has wasted no time making sure this single leaves its mark.
Musically, “Naïve” kicks off with a funky, upbeat instrumental that grabs you from the get-go. There’s a bounce to it and paired with Eva’s earthy vocals, it sounds like an instant winner. What I liked most is how the instrumental and the vocals don’t just sit side by side, they lock in together, creating a track that feels effortless but also polished. There’s a sense of cohesion here. The chorus especially shines, simple in its writing but so easy to learn and sing along to.
Lyrically, Eva cuts right to the point with lines like “How naïve I can be… to love you and not love me” and “How naïve I can be… to trust you so easily”. See… instantly relatable. There’s a clarity in her delivery that matches the song’s message perfectly, it doesn’t feel like it’s wallowing in sadness, but instead pulling the curtain back on self-worth and realisation. It’s that shift from pain to perspective that gives the track its sense of empowerment.
What’s exciting here is that Eva has framed “Naïve” not just as a song but as the opening chapter in a trilogy. With Heartache, Baby! set to unfold like a short film, the ambition behind this project is already clear. And from looking at Eva’s socials I can see she is proudly showcasing her Waterford roots too. I’ve said it before but this is another reminder of just how much talent this city keeps producing.
Overall, “Naïve” does exactly what a debut should. It makes a statement, it sticks in your head, and it leaves you wanting to see where the story goes next.
Theres nothing Naïve about “Naïve” as its awarded 7.5 out of 10
Reviewer – Alan Robinson @alan_robinson_photography
Single artwork – photo credit – HK Stuart