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Nia Archives – Emotional Junglist
Clash Magazine’s review finds Nia Archives’ second album, ‘Emotional Junglist’, to be an ambitious and emotionally direct expansion of her jungle-based sound. The reviewer argues that it moves decisively beyond nostalgia for the genre, combining breakbeats with post-punk, pop, dancehall, industrial and orchestral elements while retaining a clear musical identity.
The 15-track album follows her 2024 debut, ‘Silence Is Loud’, and draws on influences including The Streets, Happy Mondays and LTJ Bukem. Highlights named include ‘Feelingz Go Numb’, ‘Around Tha Bend’, ‘Danger’ and ‘Get Me Down’, featuring Jorja Smith; other contributors include Sampha, Ethan P Flynn and Julia Michaels. Clash awards the record 8/10, describing it as a compelling and significant step forward.
In short
- Nia Archives broadens jungle into an eclectic, personal second album.
- The 15-track record features Jorja Smith and Sampha.
- Clash rates ‘Emotional Junglist’ 8/10.
Explained simply
Nia Archives is a musician known for reviving and reimagining jungle and drum and bass, genres rooted in the 1990s electronic dance scene characterised by fast breakbeats and sampling. Her debut album 'Silence Is Loud' in 2024 established her as a significant voice in contemporary music.
Her new album 'Emotional Junglist' expands her sound by integrating elements from post-punk, pop, dancehall, industrial and orchestral music alongside jungle's breakbeats. The record draws on influences including The Streets, Happy Mondays and LTJ Bukem, and features guest appearances from artists such as Jorja Smith, Sampha and Julia Michaels.
The album represents an attempt to move jungle forward by blending diverse influences. It exemplifies how the genre continues to evolve and resonate with today's audiences.
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