Singer-songwriter-producer Nicole Zefanya, known professionally as NIKI, released her debut full-length album “Moonchild” on Sept. 10, 2020. The fantastical concept album follows the titular character, Moonchild, on a journey of self-discovery involving independence, heartbreak and unexpected joy.

While known for her R&B sound, NIKI uses ‘Moonchild’ to explore her sound without the restrictions of genre. In an Instagram post about the album, the songwriter wrote “I accepted that as an artist, I owe it to myself to express freely and without borders.” Over the course of ten songs, she dabbles in funk, pop, hip hop and ballads, all with impressive cohesion. Even the topics of the songs mirror this freedom because of NIKI’s widespread yet connected lyrical material. Though this is NIKI’s first album, it is clear that she’s no newcomer to storytelling, because “Moonchild” is an incredible listening experience, both narratively and sonically.

After a brief foreword, “Switchblade” is the first song in ‘Moonchild.’ Co-produced by Zefanya, “Switchblade” is the audience’s opening into this world of fantasy where NIKI sings about feeling unstoppable over a mystical and optimistic beat. Proclaiming her self-confidence on this track, the singer sets the tone for the rest of the album.

In line with the concept of a fantasy album, the titles of numerous “Moonchild” songs relate back to this theme. “Tide,” a turbulent song about putting up emotional barriers, smoothly transitions into the calmer yet still chaotic “Pandemonium,” whose title speaks for itself.

The album’s highlight is a breathtaking ballad entitled “Lose” about learning to disengage from unhealthy relationships. The vulnerability with which NIKI describes the intoxicating yet harmful of these dynamics is beautiful, including wise lines like “I should never have to win your love / and hate myself when I don’t,” NIKI’s entire discography is stunning, but she’s at her best when showcasing the sheer beauty of her vocals.

In an Instagram post the night “Moonchild” dropped, NIKI wrote “To my past self: You did it. You wanted to make your own musical fairytale. You didn’t think you could. Here we are today.” This resilient attitude reflects the spirit of the album itself. “Moonchild” is about growing and evolving as a person, a process that is hard and unbearable sometimes, but in the end we get through it, and even come out stronger for it.