Niki and the Dove creates devastating pure pop-ness whose folds are simplistically complex in notes and harmony on Instinct
Review by Danielle Boise
Riddle me this, how does one go about creating a devastating pure pop-ness whose folds are simplistically complex in notes and harmony? Well, you get Malin Dahlstrom (vocalist) and Gustaf Karlof (keyboard) to come together as the writing duo Niki and the Dove. The band then creates the dance-heavy, synth-pop masterpiece with tribal undertones known as Instinct, which was released August 9 from Sub Pop Records.
Instinct draws together the best of ’80s synth-pop, using Dahlstrom’s ethereal voice to hypnotize the listener as the vocal peaks take the listener on a journey of decadent deliciousness with spellbinding lyrics. Niki and the Dove sounds like an amalgamation of its European counterparts, Oh Land, Bjork and Roisin Murphy with a twist of Sheila E., a bit of Sheena Easton and I swear I thought I was listening to a new Stevie Nicks record during a couple of tracks including “In Our Eyes” and “The Beach.”
This album should be experienced on an individual level, not track-by-track–that’s the joy of discovery with Niki and the Dove. Tracks to fall in love with include “In Our Eyes,” “Last Night” and “Somebody,” but really there is not one track on the album that isn’t worthy of a listen.
Niki and the Dove is a rising star that will soon hit the stratosphere; Instinct will no doubt send the band straight into the heavens. If you like electronic beats, pop notes and a fantastic voice, then Instinct is right up your alley.
Niki and the Dove are currently out on tour and will make an Atlanta debut on September 19th at The Earl, but you can find out where they are playing near you by visiting, www.nikiandthedove.com.
