Nia Archives has conjured up a sonic masterpiece with her second album, 'Emotional Junglist', unleashing a wave of emotions that will leave fans breathless and critics in awe. This Island Records release is being hailed as a game-changer, building on the momentum of her critically-acclaimed debut. The 24-year-old Bradford-born producer has taken a bold leap forward, structuring the album into two distinct halves – the euphoric highs of falling in love and the shattering lows of heartbreak.
This bold narrative approach echoes some of the year's most talked-about releases, but Archives' journey is uniquely her own. She didn't take the traditional route to stardom; instead, she honed her craft on pirate radio and dancehall culture in Bradford, before leaving home at 16 to teach herself beat-making in Manchester. Her path was paved by determination and a willingness to learn, using her student loan to fund the promotion of her self-released debut single – a testament to her independent spirit.
Archives has consistently broken new ground in the UK music scene. She made history as the first electronic/dance act to win a MOBO Award in decades after campaigning for dance music's inclusion in 2022. Her 2024 debut album, 'Silence Is Loud', earned her three Brit Award nominations and a Mercury Prize nomination – making her the first junglist to achieve such recognition since 1997.
'Emotional Junglist' represents a major progression from its predecessor, showcasing a refined sound and broader musical palette. The melodies are more developed, fusing indie-pop and R&B with syncopated breakbeats that will get you moving. This album marks Archives' first venture with a full live band, resulting in an increased sonic depth – every bass throb and cymbal crash contributing to the powerful soundscape.
Tracks like 'Around tha Bend' evoke the angst-ridden indie bands of the early 2000s, while 'Dance With Me 2Nite' recalls the raw energy of Arctic Monkeys in their heyday. The album's melancholic second half is where Archives' most impactful pop songs reside – think piercing balladry on 'Almost Always' and gloomy indie rock on 'Lovers Grief', combined with intricate drumming and candid lyrics.
Collaborations with Jorja Smith ('Get Me Down') and Sampha add an extra layer of depth to the album's poignant latter half. Whether you're a fan of Archives or just discovering her, 'Emotional Junglist' is a must-listen – available now on major streaming platforms in the UK.