NIKI rediscovers herself outside of R&B on the vibrant ‘Buzz’
What’s the logical thing to do after headlining sold out concerts around the world and racking up over 3 billion streams from your music? Answer: make the edgiest album of your entire discography of course. I’m always a big fan when an artist says, “Fuck it, I’m gonna do something different.” Based on my own experience, the fruit grown from this type of behavior is confidently strange, sometimes sweet, and while rarely obvious, always worth it. Listening to NIKI’s new album Buzz feels like seeds planted for an abundant next chapter of music, love, and self-reflection.
To me, NIKI (Niki Zefanya) had the Asian R&B pop market cornered. Along with tonal luminaries Yuna, thủy, and Jhené Aiko, the space was no longer lonely. Written from the throes of an “identity crisis,” NIKI is making a distinction with Buzz from previous work. Running away from a verifiable, tangible sound is brave considering just how prominently placed NIKI’s star power is. But her meditation on something more rock, more folk, and more instrumentally rich is a leap that I’m happy to report pays off.
The first half of the 44 minute album makes NIKI’s musical intentions clear. The titular track “Buzz” is a plucky, comfy indie jam ripped from the same diary beabadoobee writes from. “It’s a bumblebee on a blossom / The first coffee shop run in autumn,” she sings, capturing the tension of pursuing something new as a former chapter closes. “The song’s about to start / The door’s about to open / The flower’s about to fruit / I’m about to fall for you.” It’s all sweet and sour and sublime without becoming saccharine.
“Too Much of a Good Thing,” the album’s lead single from earlier this year (that we also covered), gains a greater sense of depth in the album’s sequence. Assuming a linear romantic narrative through the project, a lot of time and/or pain has happened between the first two tracks. NIKI is halfway out the door of this relationship. She is signaling to make a move, take the next step, see me for who I am or it’s over. “You can do your own thing, look, the choice is yours / But I can’t help that I’m the thing you’re looking for.” NIKI’s voice on this track becomes disengaged, syrupy and elongated, matching the bass’ concavity.
“Colossal Loss” is my shit, man. The album’s full tilt into rock provide delicious moments of angsty expression. NIKI plays prideful, bitter, and pity, making this track one of the most fun to listen to. Paired with crunchy, jolty, zooming electric guitar textures, this song ensures the previous relationship has no survivors from the jump (“So you wanna talk? / You can do so to my moisturized hand”). At this point on the record, NIKI is an absolute frontwoman. I am dying to hear this performed live.
That brings me to my main synthesis on Buzz: NIKI and her band sound so good together. The most standout tracks on the album feature lovingly considered drums, guitar, and bass, making them just as much of a focus as anything else. Production from Tyler Chester and Ethan Gruska have developed an energy and pace that complements her clear and direct voice. This isn’t surprising considering Chester and Gruska’s work with the likes of Fiona Apple, Sara Bareilles, Phoebe Bridgers, and Madison Cunningham. As much as I love NIKI’s R&B centered tracks (which she is always welcome to return to), having the diverse instrumentation on display allows her to amplify and react. It’s salt on chocolate – balanced and sumptuous.
As much as I think I can gush on about the Maggie Rogers-esque “Magnets” and the very strong Hayley Williams vibes on “Strong Girl” and “Heirloom Pain,” I’ll take the advice on “Focus” and conclude with an appreciation for the adventure of NIKI’s life as an artist and person that has allowed Buzz to come swinging.
Don’t be afraid of change. Listen to it. The fruit on the other side is worth savoring.
Buzz is out now via 88Rising.
Superlatives:
Favorite Track: “Colossal Loss”
Funniest Song: “Focus”
Predicted TikTok Lyrics: “Why can’t you look at what’s in front of you!! / Focus for once / What is it that you want? You’d probably burst into flames if you ask yourself that/” on “Focus”
Most Valuable Song: “Strong Girl”
Track That Makes Me Think of My Parents: “Heirloom Pain”
Header photo by Annie Lai.
Artist pages: Instagram | Spotify | Website
