Second Nature

Second Nature

On her first proper solo release, Australian producer/singer Ninajirachi bends familiar pop prompts into exciting new shapes. Observe the askew hooks skittering through “One Long Firework in the Sky,” a lovestruck lament co-written with guest vocalist Montaigne. Hyperpop also informs the contrasting contours of Second Nature, from the sneaky bass blasts of “Soma” to the playful tempo shifts of “Petroleum.” Ninajirachi has cited Flume as a longtime inspiration, and here she flexes a similar malleability with tone and texture. Beyond vocal cameos from rising Sydney rapper Raj Mahal (“Hidden Land”) and repeat collaborator Kota Banks (“Crush Me”), she also proves to be an affecting singer in her own right. That’s especially true on the unexpected ballad “Things I Never Nu,” which marries poignant lyrics with low-key piano. Stocked with such impactful twists, this is a confident demonstration of Ninajirachi’s chops.

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