It would appear that 2024 is about to be Nia Archives’ year. Having spent the last 12 months playing the likes of Fabric and Boiler Room, January has seen her continue a skyward trajectory as she builds towards her new EP, Forbidden Feelingz. Revealing a wider range than many of her contemporaries, her mission statement is founded on representation and unity as she taps into her Jamaican roots with a production style influenced by UKG, soul, R&B, and jazz.
On “Luv Like”, Nia proves that she’s worth every bit of hype as she connects jungle sounds and joyous instrumentation for an understated yet addictive listen. In less capable hands, Nia’s supple vocals might become lost in against the noise, but her ability to glide over traditionally fractious sounds is well-documented and transports the song into a surprisingly relaxing place. Against constant breakbeats, she juxtaposes the mellow carnival vibes with personal lyricism. It’s a deep dive into second-guessing the love she receives; picking apart her flaws and wondering if they see what she does.
