Album Review: Nilüfer Yanya, Miss Universe

Following a series of small scale singles and EPs dating back to twenty sixteen, much buzzed about twenty-two-year-old British indie rocker Nilüfer Yanya has released her debut full-length. Coming into the public eye in her teen years, Yanya quickly established her own lane in the indie crowd. Echoing guitars, bare, warbling keyboards, jazzy chord progressions and bright melodies. Though there shone spots of pop ambition – such as single 'Golden Cage' – most of her early material was steeped in muted moodiness.

Miss Universe, her formal debut is, then, a surprising and significant leap forward in many ways. Manic energy radiates from every side of these songs, with faster tempos, more lush and varied production, and an overall movement toward pop songwriting. These changes are made, however, without sacrificing any of Yanya’s original charm or songwriting skill.

Cuts like 'Tears' and 'Heat Rises' are laden with pulsating drum machines, buzzing synth keyboards, and cutting vocal harmonies, all married effortlessly, making for a distinct and arresting sound. Even the more straight-ahead rock songs on the project – such as highlights 'Angels' and 'The Unordained' – are written and performed with enough fervor to transcend rock cliché and achieve something uniquely brilliant.

Yanya’s career may only be beginning, but with her debut she has demonstrated that – even so early on – she will not be confined by genre tropes, critical expectations, or self-doubt. The finished product may not look how many expected it to, but Miss Universe is the sound of all the pieces falling into place.

Miss Universe is out now on ATO Records. Nilüfer Yanya is currently finishing up her European tour, see the dates below.