Released on Sept. 10, Indonesian singer Nicole Zenfaya, better known as “NIKI,” has introduced her first debut album, MOONCHILD. With eclectic melodies filling NIKI’s celestial world, the 10-concept songs are brought to us by 88 Rising and 12 Tone Music labels.
Encompassing three phases of the moon: crescent, eclipse and full, MOONCHILD reflects self-empowerment which is a perfect tune to listen to while being isolated at home due to the quarantine.
In addition, NIKI has collaborated with producers such as Jacob Ray, Bekon & the Donuts, and “Pomo” (David Pimentel).
Aside from the lyrical figures of speech complemented by NIKI’s vocals, “MOONCHILD” has a mix of rhythm depicting a myriad of thoughts and feelings—innocence, melancholia, and courage. Contrary to her first EP “Zephyr” (2018) with lust and love approach, NIKI now focuses on personal identity and self-expression by also incorporating her dreamy trademark.
A perfectly painted narrative
Crafting MOONCHILD for almost two years, NIKI went on her official Twitter account to share her story about countless scraps and breakdowns just to get that seemingly perfect and cohesive album—the “greater narrative,” as she typed.
Taking her fans, in which she referred to as “Moonchildren,” in a fantasy world, MOONCHILD greets the listeners with “Wide Open (Foreword)” song that vivify the struggles faced by artists in the industry. Singing with the lyrics, “the voices around you saying you can spread your wings if only you spread those legs first…” hints abuses faced by women not only as artists struggling for a spotlight in the music industry, but also in life.
Meanwhile, the austerity of NIKI’s lyrics led to her newly-found fame and surprised listeners all over the world. Through her play of words and her ability to take the audience into her own fictional dimension, the 21-year-old singer has founded a fan-base through singing to the youth, focusing on musings and sharing their melancholia. With a leap of faith theme, “Switchblade” enlivens a brave heart, singing “the winds of change have nothing on this switchblade faith.”
A fan-favorite and one of the earliest releases for this album, NIKI’s “Lose” is a mellow single with “La La Lost You - Acoustic version” song vibes. Accompanied by harmonious piano chords, lyrics will surely hit over, “'Cause I ain't tryna be the one, been through this a thousand times. I don't need to take your heart. You keep yours, I'll keep mine...”
Supplementary Recommendations
- “Tide” — Waves of problems such as self-doubts, challenges, and betrayal keep on crashing. If the “Pools” song tackled being drowned in thoughts due to someone, this track would ensure a smooth sail in life afterwards. “Never again fallin' in traps. Swim into nets, I'll slip through the cracks. Bring on the storm, bring on the tide.”
- “Plot Twist” — 2020 is not yet over. Just like the seasons, we keep on changing, and so do our circumstances. NIKI writes for the hopeful future and sings “thank God for plot twists like you.”
- “Nightcrawlers” — Of course, the moon shines brightly especially during the late night. With sudden beat drops dedicated to nocturnals, this would make someone remember those drunk sessions, friends' silhouettes and traffic lights. Reminisce good times with: “This is the coveted land for both heroes and fools. Zero in rules, zeroes and jewels. We're just all liberty-drunk, stupid and young.”
- “Drive On” — The final track of the album was perfectly concluded with a song about hope, growing up, and driving unto the future with headlines on. “Drive On” echoes Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill” with its youthful lyrics and late-night driving in the countryside vibes.
Ultimately, NIKI proves that she's the "internet's favorite R&B princess." As ballad to bop music styles are to be found in MOONCHILD, shine through the darkness whichever "phase" it is and enjoy listening (while tearing up).
Rating: 4/5
