Album Review: Niis – NIIS WORLD

NIIS WORLD is the debut LP album from Los Angeles-based punk band Niis. After releasing a series of singles over the last four years, the band has finally announced its first full-length collection. With 10 new songs, NIIS WORLD encompasses the elaborate punk themes and sounds observed in previous works.

As they combine bits and pieces from their favorite influences, Niis establishes their musical authenticity with a diverse range of sounds that spans from hardcore punk to alternative rock and grunge. Paired with vocals from lead singer Mimi Doe, listeners are offered a shrieking glimpse into the feminine side of punk as Doe translates her experiences through sound traits that are trademark to their admired genres. Blurring the old with the new, Niis enhances the formula with its reconstruction of varying musical qualities to develop a sound that is just as progressive as its thematic elements. Their album NIIS WORLD is an in-depth exploration of these interests and their experimentation with traditional aspects of punk, as well as their interpretation of its rebirth.

The introductory track, “Low Life,” is a quick tempo that steadily builds upon itself. It is a strong introduction that is full of energy from the first electric guitar strums. With single notes that transform into full chord sequences, it creates a powerful sound that complements Doe’s tough-girl lyrics. It is female independence at its best, with a punk twist, as Doe alternates her vocals between sturdy screams and a softer tone that is reminiscent of dream pop. The opening lyrics “Part of me / I guess you’ll never be” and “Was it enough for you / I guess it couldn’t be” are examples of everyday female experiences the band incorporates to introduce its feminine perspective, which Doe advances with her triumph of accompanying punk characteristics.

Track seven, “Driveaway,” is another snappy garage tune that leans more into the hardcore. Doe’s vocals are more layered, resulting in a more muffled sound that contributes to the metaphorical daze the singer finds herself in as she confesses, “He makes me want to get away / He makes me want to drive away.” Not as self-sufficient here, the song is another honest portrayal of femininity, with its inner turmoil embedded in its sound.

Track eight, “Scatter,” is the ultimate self-empowering anthem. As another hardcore feature, its punk fundamentals are used to ignite urgency in its lyrics. It is equally applauding and inspiring as Doe congratulates one for their self-reliance but encourages them to seek more based on the power they know they have inside: “You’re so alone / You like it that way…”Why do you follow when you could lead?

NIIS WORLD is another new album to look out for, featuring a rich blend of celebrated genres. Its strong lead vocalist, Mimi Doe, is the latest Joan of Arc of punk, revising the feminine existence one scream at a time.