The sun kissed climate of Los Angeles might be the last place you’d expect to find a lofi, visceral punk band. Well, think again because Niis (pronounced Nice) have been a driving force on their local scene, dropping releases that have dictated the direction of LA punk, proving themselves leaders, not followers. Originally taking inspiration from the anarcho roar of Crass and the Subhumans, along with the melodic sensibility of Hole, Niis’ 2025 debut album Niis World was a collection of (largely) sub-three minute blasts that were spiky, barbed and angular. Their latest EP, Play Niis finds them taking a pivot and leaning more into melody to deliver a selection of songs that sparkle and shine and should shoot them towards superstardom.

If there’s one thing that unites Niis’ diverse discography then it’s a kind of reductionism. There’s a serious lack of fluff on Niis; they don’t use two notes when one will suffice (likewise, two syllables) and as such their songs take the most direct line to what the hell it’s all about. It’s an approach that suits the six songs comprising Play Niis surprisingly well and in an amazing piece of serendipity have produced an EP that has an effortless chart bothering potential. Long term supporters needn’t worry, Niis still have plenty of dirt under their fingernails, the riff that heralds the arrival of opening track ‘Bad Aim’ sounds like Tad jamming with L7, yet with the help of producers Austin Coupe and Michael Shuman the band have definitely amped up the melodic end of their oeuvre whilst dialling down the discordant and as such ‘Bad Aim’ (as with the whole EP) is a sublime piece or ear candy that attacks the heart and head simultaneously. This is probably the closest Niis have come to equilibrium, the scales balanced (almost) evenly.

Rather than being a calculated move, the sonic shift on ‘Earthquakes’ feels totally natural and while many punk purists might bemoan the band’s drift, that’s even more reason for Niis to do it. Yet it’s worth reiterating that these songs are three minute bangers that are fat free and stripped to the core, all killer and no filler, which is perhaps the very definition of punk. When viewed as part of Niis’ developmental arc, Play Niis makes perfect sense, it gives no clue where they might travel next, but for now…Play Niis.

• Play Niis is released via Rise Records on 23rd October 2026.

Track List:

1. Bad Aim
2. Big Fish Baby
3. Earthquakes
4. No Flowers
5. Take Your Mess
6. Westside