Despite the frantic urgency of the title, Isobel Akpobire—professionally known as Bellah—couldn’t sound more assured and in control on State of Emergency Vol. 1, the British Nigerian singer-songwriter’s first body of work since 2022’s Adultsville. Central to proceedings, of course, is are Akpobire’s unimpeachable vocals: light and mellifluous on rose-tinted fantasy “Sweet Nuffins,” rich and low for brooding relationship post-mortem “WDIMTY.” The versatility of Akpobire’s voice proves to be the key production ingredient on this EP, which boasts credits from previous collaborator Ari PenSmith—the hitmaker behind Tyla’s “Water”—and DESTIN CONRAD (Kehlani), who puts in a smooth performance on balmy slow jam “Typical.” Standout track “Critical Condition” is the ideal showcase for this creative harmony, marrying laidback disco grooves with a sparkling R&B hook and a polished rap verse that pops off in the post-chorus. Later, intricate yet unobtrusive guitar riffs support Akpobire through “Fallin’,” affording her natural musicality its own shining moment in the spotlight, leaving no doubt that the future of UK R&B is in good hands.