"V": harmony and disorder co-exist in the multilayered album by Niia.

Breaking conventions is no easy feat. Yet effortlessly, Niia adopts a resolute non-conformist stance throughout the span of "V." Specializing in the unconstrained art of Jazz music, emotional extremities and tradition-defying compositions juxtapose in this album. The shades of contrast and varied layers defining these songs vividly reflect the dualities entrenched in one's existence: love and hate, awareness and delusion, restraint and freedom— and it goes on. 

In the last few years, Niia's has emerged as a forward-thinking, experimental moniker: the LA-based vocalist and composer has persistently found ways to evolve steadily, greatly influenced by the innovative fusion of traditional Jazz with contemporary styles. Eclectic tastes have helped broaden her artistic vision— drawing inspiration from evocative soundtracks of Italian cinema and Jazz luminaries like Bill Evans and Chet Baker. The diversity in her discography is admirably large; the songstress suffers from despair in the piano-laden debut "Made For You" (2013). Years later, she made waves in the RnB scene with "Constantly Dissatisfied" (featuring Gallant), a gleaming nu-soul ballad. As her efforts continue to gain worldwide traction, headliners such as Le Youth, Logic1000, and CODE KUNST have augmented her catalog with top-notch remix duties.

Conflicted, intricate sentiments are the very foundations of V. The opening minutes lash out with "fucking happy"— boldly unapologetic, the performance is laced in vitriol and yet soul-wearily tender, nursing wounds from a crude heartbreak ("I know what you're afraid of//You don't live in my mind anymore"). The accompanying beat employs dramatic surges on cue with the cathartic vocals, powered by syncopated drums. Adjacent "Ronny Cammareri" is embellished with diaphanous, warm vocal harmonies, sweetening the jazz instrumental (notably featuring a stand-out solo from detuned horns). 

We find the album's creator most vulnerable at "I found the restaurant" (in collaboration with Spencer Zahn). Rueful yearning teems heavily in Niia's serenade, nestled in the warmth of a sparse, delicate sequence of instruments. Leading single "Pianos and Great Danes" flips the temperament so far, delivering a skittery drumbeat and reverberating piano keys that propel the love-swooned vocals ("I can't think when I'm with you....You're my addiction").

"Dice" carries itself in a strut, the enticing, cynical vocals drift over a knocking set of drums, also stretching out during a slowed-down transition; a melancholic, resonating rock ballad ensues in the wistful "Maria in Blue." In a serene conclusion, "Angel Eyes" unfurls as a forlorn denouement marked by the glassy, rippling flow of piano notes and lush, dreamy-eyed vocalization— perhaps a bittersweet homage to records of bygone days.

Stream "V" on Spotify and Bandcamp, and stay tuned with Niia on TikTok and Instagram.