Ethereal, electric, enchanting and enjoyable, Instinct, the debut album from Niki and the Dove is just what I needed for this late summer Southern California heat wave. Swedish pop always captures me and fills me with dancey-fun feelings, and this album, with that built-in expectation, does not disappoint. This is music to drive to, to turn up loud and roll down the windows to, to dance on the beach barefoot to, and to spin around until the dizziness takes over to.

Reminiscent of early Bjork, a more upbeat Bat for Lashes, and a late in the night meet up of MGMT and the Knife. Instinct flirts at both darkness and light, upbeat and macabre, neon-lit ecstasy infused dance clubs and barely lit bars serving heavy liquered drinks and low murmured conversations.

My initial favorites are The Gentle Roar, Last Night, and The Fox.

This is a band I would love to see play live outdoors, somewhere with a breathtaking view and atmosphere, like The Greek in Los Angeles, and the Santa Barbara Bowl. Nature is almost a necessity to have in close proximity when listening to these songs. Either that, or the heat and pulse of a small club; the kind of place where you can barely move without skin-on-skin contact with another. This is feeling music.

Take a listen and comment on what you think – I would love to hear/read.

Niki and the Dove’s website.

Niki and the Dove at Subpop records.

The Fox :: Niki and the Dove