Nia Archives Dips Into 90s Electronica for Dreamy New Single ‘Vertical’

The momentum behind Nia Archives shows absolutely no signs of slowing down. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on her signature jungle sound, she shifts gears entirely. Her latest single, “Vertical” is proof that she isn’t interested in staying in one lane.

Trading in the frenetic, high-tempo breakbeats that made her a household name in the drum and bass scene, “Vertical” is a hazy, introspective dive into late 90s electronica. It’s a bold departure, and honestly? It hits just right.

Shifting Gears: The Sound of ‘Vertical’

With “Vertical,” Nia is clearly pulling inspiration from the moody, experimental textures of artists like Björk and the legendary electronic production found on Madonna’s Ray of Light record.

It’s a track that feels a bit colder and more distant than her usual work—but in the best way possible. She’s leaning into an atmospheric, almost dissociative vibe here. Nia herself mentioned that she specifically looked for synths that captured that “December in London” feeling: a mix of cold air and late-night introspection. It’s the kind of song that says more through its production and textures than the lyrics ever could.

The Road to Emotional Junglist

“Vertical” is our third look at her upcoming sophomore album, Emotional Junglist, due out July 24, 2026. If you’ve been following the rollout, you’ve probably heard “Danger” or “Boys In Blue,” but “Vertical” adds a whole new layer to the project.

Nia spent most of 2025 writing this record, and it sounds like she really swung for the fences with the collaborators she brought on board. She’s working with heavy hitters like:

• James Ford (known for his work with Arctic Monkeys and Blur)

• Ethan P. Flynn (who has worked with FKA Twigs and David Byrne)

• Julia Michaels (the songwriting powerhouse behind hits for Lady Gaga and Sabrina Carpenter)

With guest spots from Jorja Smith and Sampha also on the tracklist, it’s shaping up to be one of the most significant releases of the summer.

The Visuals

To go with the release, Nia dropped a music video filmed in New York City by director Dylan Gee. Visually, it’s a perfect match for the song—all strobe lights, blurred movement, and layered shots that feel like a memory of a night that never quite ended. It’s raw, it’s hazy, and it perfectly captures that “loved-up” late-night energy she’s channeling on the new record.

As we head toward that July 24th release date, it’s exciting to watch Nia Archives push her own boundaries. She isn’t just resting on her laurels or repeating her debut; she’s actively evolving.