Nia Archives' debut album, Silence is Loud, is a deep dive into the colorful world of modern jungle, standing out from revivalism in showcasing the genre's vibrant evolution. Since her critical and commercial emergence in 2020, the Leeds-raised multi-disciplinary artist has introduced the genre to a new generation alongside the likes of PinkPantheress and SHERELLE. Silence is Loud is a calling card to her pioneership of this era, fusing her profound songwriting with the genre's deep-rooted traditions. Throughout the album, her ambitions extend beyond the boundaries of dance music, incorporating iconic British elements, such as the Union Jack vinyl and visuals rich in working-class iconography.
Archives' role as a trailblazer in the next-gen junglists (or, as she calls it, as an “emotional junglist”) echoes the influence of figures like Goldie in the '90s. However, she distinguishes herself by aiming to elevate the genre to pop stardom with songs that touch on universal themes of relationships, family, and young adulthood. Tracks from her previous EPs, such as Forbidden Feelingz and Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against tha Wall, present jungle in an accessible yet respectful format that resonates with both die-hard headz and the more-pop inclined alike.
Archives' skill as an architect of sound shines throughout Silence is Loud. Her collaboration with notable producers like Ethan P. Flynn (FKA Twigs, David Byrne) further results in an adventurous sound that defies genre boundaries. She is not just a performer but key to creating the album's atmosphere, involved in every aspect of its production. From the choice of instrumentation to track arrangement, this influence is evident in the album's diverse soundscapes—gloomy Britpop, warm Motown, soaring indie, and even hints of anthemic rock.
The eponymous album opener introduces Archives' blend of high-energy jungle beats and soulful melodies within a four-to-the-floor anthem. Her voice, breezy yet powerful, carries the album into a realm of jungle-pop hedonism, albeit with deeply personal lyrics on unconditional sibling love ("And if I aint got you around/ Then I'm lost and I don't wanna be found/You're the only thing keeping me sound/ And without you the silence is loud").
Cards on the Table is a standout track that brings Archives' storytelling to the fore—making it a prime candidate for widespread radio play. Meanwhile, single Crowded Roomz opts for a darker tone through dense production and an enveloping atmosphere of expansion. Tracks like Unfinished Business then showcase a more refined touch, while Nightmares delves into darker themes reminiscent of the deep cuts by LTJ Bukem during the genre's peak "intelligent" era. Of course, there are a handful of certified dancefloor fillers, perhaps none other than Killjoy!
The album delves into the depths of solitude, self-reflection, and communal energy, using jungle as a medium for personal catharsis and collective experience. Out of Options beautifully embodies these through its repetitive lyrics ('Out of options/ Hard to function') set against a playful-piano-led beat. The slowed-down disembodiment of Forbidden Feelingz also presents them wrapped in Archives's dance of the catchy and compelling.
The album closes with So Tell Me…, a track that proves the essence of the entire album and is a personal favorite. Here, Archives' ability to weave complex emotiona with compelling rhythms reaches its peak, serving as a perfect bookend to her emotionally charged landscape constructed over the past half-decade.
Expect to hear Nia Archives everywhere this summer. Silence is Loud is a loud and clear declaration of arrival from an artist destined to soundtrack more than just one.
