With the release of her first EP, 2021's
Headz Gone West
,
Nia Archives
immediately hit a sweet spot, seamlessly blending jungle's 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 jungle's resurgence in popularity.
Silence Is Loud
, her second major-label release (following 2023's
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
Nia
's 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
's 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 she's performing on tour. The breezy, summery love song "Cards on the Table" is one of the album's 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
's 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, she's always sincere, and her best songs are fully relatable. No one else is making jungle that's this introspective while staying true to the genre's sound system roots, sounding raw enough to ignite a rave yet catchy enough for the radio. ~ Paul Simpson