Silence Is Loud

ジャングルをスタイルとする、UKダンス・ミュージック・シーン大注目のニュー・カマー、Nia Archivesのデビュー・アルバムが遂に完成。
アルバムからは「Silence Is Loud」と「Crowded Roomz」が公開されているが、アルバムの全貌に注目が高まっている。(ジャングル:サンプラーを多用して制作される音楽ジャンル)

With the release of her first EP, 2021s Headz Gone West, Nia Archives immediately hit a sweet spot, seamlessly blending jungles head-rush breakbeats with the laid-back introspection of neo-soul. Two further EPs improved on the formula, and the singer/producer won numerous awards, establishing herself at the forefront of jungles resurgence in popularity. Silence Is Loud, her second major-label release (following 2023s Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against tha Wall EP, which topped the U.K. dance charts) and first full-length, is her most accessible work so far, sharpening the production values but otherwise maintaining the qualities and characteristics of her previous work. The album was co-produced and co-written by Ethan P. Flynn, known for his work with FKA twigs, Jockstrap, Black Country, New Road, and others. Two of the highlights of Nias previous EPs, the reflective "So Tell Me..." and the more bass-heavy "Forbidden Feelingz," make repeat appearances on the album. The opening title track is one of Nias most intense, thrilling songs, with howling distortion and heavy 4/4 kicks cloaking lyrics about feeling lost without someone, and not wanting to be found. "Crowded Roomz" similarly addresses feelings of isolation, specifically when shes performing on tour. The breezy, summery love song "Cards on the Table" is one of the albums most carefree moments, but nearly every other track surges with anxiety and doubt, from relationship troubles to family frustrations. Yet it all goes down easily and thrillingly due to the winning combination of slamming breakbeats and Nias charming personality, as well as the chiming guitar melodies influenced by samba and dreamy indie rock. Even though her lyrics can be a bit on-the-nose at times, shes always sincere, and her best songs are fully relatable. No one else is making jungle thats this introspective while staying true to the genres sound system roots, sounding raw enough to ignite a rave yet catchy enough for the radio. ~ Paul Simpson

内省と躍動の交差する初EP『Headz Gone West』(2021年)ですぐさま脚光を浴び、ダンス・チャートを制した昨年のメジャー契約作『Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha Wall』以降は心待ちにされていた初のフル・アルバムがいよいよ登場! ピンクパンサレスらと並んでいわゆる〈ベッドルーム・レイヴ〉勢の一角を成すモダンなアイコンだが、アーシーで落ち着いた歌声と古典的なジャングルを思わせるアップリフティングな意匠がもたらす絶妙な明度のキャッチーさは彼女ならではの魅力に他ならない。ストレンジに展開する"Tell Me What It's Like?"など期待通りのポップな人懐っこさに溢れた傑作だ。
bounce (C)轟ひろみ