Chicago-born and Arizona-raised R&B artist Nikki Hayes has long demonstrated to her fans a proclivity for the experimental while staying true to the soulful bones of her genre. While her creative prowess continues to showcase her commitment to her individuality, the familiar warmth of her tambor anchors every piece with a comforting sensibility. Her newest single “Above Trees” pushes the boundaries of her musical brilliance while delivering a message that highlights their bravery with a tender vulnerability.
The evocative syncopation of the introductory notes and chords creates an elaborate world within the music and invites listeners to embrace the ambiguity of where the music might take them. As heavily distorted guitar strings pick in an unpredictable rhythm, Hayes’ vocals appear and give the single narrative direction. Right away, the lyrics weave a tapestry of reflection and atmospheric embrace to the message she hopes to convey. Lines like “I could write you a love song every day, I could rest in your face, I could drown in your ways” read like poetry as she bares her soul with every verse.
Through the passion the artist brings to their work, we are reminded of the power love can have to influence the greatest parts of ourselves and bring unconditional joy with it. Through taking in the experience of their music, we aren’t just told what love is, we are reminded of what it should feel like as we go on a journey with the artist of capturing a moment and holding onto it with the passion it so deserves.
Written by Nick Gumas
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