Naria Band | Music Review
Naria Band
Based out of Bari, Italy, Naria is composed of some very talented musicians: Valeria Ruggiero, Serena Curatelli, Pierpaolo Marrone, and Giuseppe Covelli.
Naria Music Review:
Italian Rock/Pop with Acoustic Roots
A radio station project of mine is currently on standby mode (see About LTATM Radio), but I have received several submissions for it from bands, artists, and music labels. I decided to contact each one and let them know that I could instead write up a review to assist with promotion via the LTATM website. One of those who responded was the Italian band Naria. (I hope to release more of these reviews as I prep for the second season of Let’s Talk About The Music!)
Introducing: Naria
Based out of Bari, Italy, Naria began as an acoustic duo who evolved into a full band by the end of 2024. Incorporating 90s alternative rock influences with their acoustic roots, the group blends delightful melodies with a raw and honest sound. Their debut album is the self-produced Under the Same Sky, featuring ten songs which strive to tell stories and capture emotions common to the human condition. Themes covered include transformation, loss, hope, and identity—things we may experience in different ways and seasons of life, but which still connect us throughout time and place.
Naria is composed of some very talented musicians: Valeria Ruggiero on vocals, Serena Curatelli handling guitars, Pierpaolo Marrone as bassist, and Giuseppe Covelli covering drums. Each song on Under the Same Sky was initially crafted on acoustic guitar before layering on the instruments used in its final production. While 90s alt rock is a primary influence, Naria’s music also incorporates each member’s musical roots, from reggae to noise rock.
Meet the Band
Before I delve into my thoughts on their (amazing!) music, I have some Q&As which I sent to the band in order to get to know them a little better.
Shels: What initially drew you to music and what inspired you to start creating your own?
Serena: That is a very good question. I think that is just human instinct - music is about feelings and connection and it's a powerful tool that allows you to express yourself. Creating music is strictly connected to this need - it's about processing feelings, sharing them with other human beings and creating unforgettable moments.
Shels: Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they impacted your own style?
Serena: 90s alternative rock bands and artists - such as Cranberries, Garbage, Skunk Anansie - are without any shadow of a doubt our biggest musical influence, although some other influences, such as reggae, have impacted our music (especially in the song Atlas).
Shels: Can you describe your songwriting process? Where do you usually start when writing a new song?
Serena: The songs of our debut album were written with an acoustic guitar. Lyrics and music came into existence at the same time. Some of the songs were completed in around 15 minutes, for some other songs it took a few days to get to the final result. Nevertheless, the acoustic guitar was the core instrument in this process.
Shels: What do you hope people take away from listening to your music?
Serena: Overall, we hope that brings out positive feelings, even when music is not about happiness. In my experience, listening to a sad song in hard times can actually bring you some peace. And when you are in a good mood, you don't necessarily want to listen to happy songs. So what we hope is that, no matter the mood, our songs resonate deeply with people and inspire them.
Shels: If you could only play one of your songs for someone who has never heard your music before, which one would it be and why?
Serena: Another good question! Atlas and Not my kind - which happen to be the singles taken from Under the same sky - are our favourite songs. They have different vibes but we think they could represent our work at best. The first is more introspective and characterised by a crescendo, whereas the second one has rock'n'roll vibes with a punk attitude and playing it live is so much fun. Do we really have to choose? :)
Shels: Describe a memorable or challenging experience you've had while performing live.
Serena: Well, last time we performed our drummer's drum throne broke as we were playing the song Not my kind. He actually managed to play the drums while standing up until the end of the song. He was unstoppable and that was so fun! Problems are always around the corner, but they must not keep you from doing what you have to do. It's so great to embrace these moments and just turn them into fun.
Shels: What are your future goals as a musician?
Serena: Hopefully, we get to promote our album and play at festivals. We love to share the gig with other artists and get to know them more. We really hope to play outside our region and of course write some new songs and try out different styles.
Review of Under the Same Sky
In Naria’s new single, “Atlas,” the passionate message in the lyrics resonated with me very powerfully. The band describes the song as “about the whirlwind of emotions that overwhelms us after being left behind—from the nostalgia of what was once shared, to regret and the awareness that we must take different paths.” I think that captures it perfectly. The contributions of each member’s performance took me to a place where I felt alive and like I could just “shine.”
That said, my favorite songs on the album are actually “No trouble” and the album’s first single, “Not my kind.” They have a jamming rock vibe and really got my foot tapping; I’d love to dance to both of these tunes. Throughout the whole album, I was enamored with the heavy guitar and lovely vocals. Every song was super fun to listen to. Naria is an incredible find, and I look forward to bringing them on the LTATM podcasts during my second season.
Complete track list for Under the Same Sky by Naria:
Emerald Green
No Trouble
Estranged
Atlas
Not my Kind
8 Aprile
Manmade Web
Break into Pieces
Caught In a Ambush
So why should YOU check them out? Well, I can definitely hear the influences Naria listed in the Q&A: the Cranberries, Garbage, and Skunk Anansie. So if those bands are in your personal playlists, then you'll enjoy what Naria has to offer. Check them out now! LTATM makes it easy.
Naria Band
Naria is a pop/alt rock band based in Bari, Italy.
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