Niis - pronounced “Nice” - fuses punk, hardcore, lo-fi garage, and early grunge into a unique, unapologetic noise. Drawing inspiration from bands like Rudimentary Peni, Crass, and Subhumans, the Los Angeles and Bay Area-based quartet channels raw energy and biting commentary into every track. Fronted by Mimi, whose guttural screams dissect capitalism and sociopolitical constructs, Niis explores lived experiences like navigating misogyny in a male-dominated music scene, as reflected in songs like “Fuck You Boy.” Since their 2020 debut EP, Not Niis, and 2022’s acclaimed Must Be…, Niis has built a reputation for chaos-infused punk anthems. Sharing stages with legendary acts like GBH, FEAR, and Adolescents, and performing at festivals including SXSW, Punk in the Park, and Echo Park Rising, the band’s live shows are a relentless force. The band’s guitarist encapsulates their mission: “The powers that be want us to pit against each other. It’s more punk to build community, connect, and be good to each other.” With this ethos at its core, Niis is a testament to the enduring power of punk as a force for connection, defiance, and authenticity. From cathartic anthems like “Low Life” and “The Bow” to emotionally charged tracks like “BYD” and the grunge-infused “Lovesick,” Niis continues to push boundaries, crafting music that’s both ferocious and deeply human. Be nice, like Niis.
