Anyone for a slice of Scandi-pop? Everyone knows that the Scandinavian scene is every bit as cool as its climate – and Young Dreams, who hail from Bergen, Norway, are hoping to be the next big thing to tempt your ear-buds.
Between Places definitely seems like an apt title for the group’s debut album – it completely captures the unlikely hodgepodge that is their sound. Mixing sixties surf pop with grandiose arrangements and psychedelic elements, Young Dreams are more than eclectic. ‘Fog of War‘ opens like a traditional folk song, with military-style drumming and unaccompanied vocals, whilst the next track, ‘Wounded Hearts Forever’, begins with a haze of symphonic-style flutes. The resulting feeling being one of: ‘WTF is this?’
At times, this album can seem a little overwhelming – see the slightly rambling digression at the end of ‘Through the Turnstiles’ and the completely tripped-out moments in ‘The Girl Who Taught Me How to Drink and Fight’. It’s ambitious stuff, but it misses the mark. Even in their brief bursts of orchestral psychedelia, however, their sound is unfailingly delicious, complete with rich brass and ethereal synths; but at times it lacks the punch to really keep you interested. Sometimes you feel that specific kind of boredom associated with falling asleep at the back of a concert hall.
Still, you have to give them credit for trying. Given that their hearts are in the right place, it’s worth riding out those drawn-out instrumental breaks for the moments when they manage to hit the nail on the head. ‘Footsteps’ and the band’s titular track ‘Young Dreams’ are a tasty blend of tropicália mixed in with a sugar-sweet dose of typical Scandi-pop peppiness that makes it all go down easier. ‘First Days of Something‘ sees the band open up a whole realm of afro-beat paradise, layered with lush strings. In short, it’s like Vampire Weekend – only better.
All in all, Between Places is far from perfect, but there are certainly enough standout moments to make Young Dreams essential listening. Fans of Django Django will appreciate the exotic rhythms that drive their songwriting, and they are distinctly Craft Spells-like in their layered synths and their ability to produce musical nuggets of pure serotonin.
Strangely enough, with their tropical beats, soaring synths and general feel-good factor, these Danes might provide the perfect antidote to the damp and disappointing reality of the British summer.
- Kate Travers
Young Dreams’ debut album, Between Places, is available now on Modular.
The group will be playing two London shows in April supporting the record. These are:
April 3 – Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen w/ Sinkane – Tickets here
April 4 – The Lexington – Tickets here
