On her first album, Nia Archives artist fully embraces her ‘Emotional Junglist’ mantra, pushing at the outer reaches of the style. On ‘Silence is Loud’ thunderous basslines and choppy breakbeats serve not as constraints but as a canvas for experimentation.
Born in Bradford and raised in Leeds, the now 24-year-old grew up immersed in soundsystem culture, gospel, and a vibrant rave community, not to mention her grandmother and auntie's pirate radio show, which featured a diverse mix of Roots Manuva, reggae, rap, rocksteady, and disco. It's evident from her own work that she absorbed it all.
Teaming up with producer Ethan P. Flynn (known for his work with David Byrne, F.K.A Twigs, and Jockstrap), Archives' songwriting mirrors Flynn's penchant for melancholy and she infuses her lively dance tracks with introspective themes of loneliness, unrequited love, relationships, and family.
Crowded Roomz beckons to the outcasts with an underlying sense of desperation as she sings, "It’s my façade, my persona is my costume," evoking a sense of disconnect amid a bustling club.
The crisp guitar plucks subtly woven into the opening title track are juxtaposed with the rawness of its later reprise — a tribute to Archives’ brother — where the comforting sounds of familial gatherings linger in the background.
Tell Me What It’s Like delves into darker territory with its heavy bassline and piercing riffs, while Cards On The Table has an ethereal, upbeat vibe with its bright guitar lines and shimmering synths. Out of Options initially channels the spirit of noughties indie-pop, reminiscent of acts such as Oh, Atoms or Modest Mouse, until Archives' descending vocals seamlessly transition the track into a looped metallic beat.
'Silence is Loud' propels Nia Archives from a promising newcomer to a trailblazer in the UK jungle scene, poised to captivate a new generation of music enthusiasts while intriguing older dance music fans.
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