Thursday 5 April 2012

jj - Beautiful Life


*sigh* Yet another piece of Swedish dream-pop.

You'd be forgiven for thinking this, until you press that play button.  Swedish duo jj released their debut album 'jj no 2' (following debut single jj no 1) back in 2009 and Beautiful Life is the A-side of next single jj no 4 along with B-side Burn.  Yes, they like numbers.

With its cascades of guitar arpeggios, icy synths and the breathy vocals of singer Elin Kastlander, Beautiful Life will melt your heart in the run up to the summer.  The duo's work is evocative and atmospheric (Ecstasy is a particular highlight from 'jj no 2') and Beautiful Life is no different - marrying folk and electronica in a swirl of crisp production like freshly falling snow.  Simply, this is exceptional, beautiful, pop music.

4/5

Listen: jj no 4 will be released on 8th May.