By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer
5/5
The stereotypical Swede is always blonde—in this respect, the Stockholm-based members of Niki and the Dove don’t disappoint. A band is supposed to make music that you want to listen to. The group comes through in this regard too.
Though the group has released several singles already, Instinct is the band’s debut album, and what a debut it is! Slotting into a sort of electro-pop genre, the duo of Malin Dahlström and Gustaf Karlöf deliver track after track of quality listening. I’m not a huge fan of this type of music, but I loved it regardless.
The album starts off with “Tomorrow,” where Dahlström’s excellent vocals are supported by Karlöf’s spacey-sounding keyboard; the song gives the album a great track right out of the blocks. Spoiler alert: the rest of the songs are just as solid. It’s difficult to pick and choose songs that really stand out, since I was honestly blown away by this album, so I’ll go with the popular favourites. “DJ, Ease My Mind,” was one of the aforementioned single releases a few years ago and, to no one’s surprise, can be found on Instinct. It’s brilliant. The final track, “Under the Bridges,” also manages to finish the release strongly.
Perhaps there’s something in the water I’m drinking right now, but I can’t turn Instinct off repeat. Even if it’s not your thing, go have a listen. Right meow.
