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Straight out of Sweden come Little Dragon with their self-titled debut album. Featuring the vocal talents of Yukimi Nagano, Erik Bodin on percussion, Hakan Wirenstrand on keys and Frerick Kallgren on bass, these guys are definitely ones to keep an eye out for. Nagano has kicked around the Swedish nu-jazz scene for years, previously working with Koop and featured in the stunning Keep You Kimi from Nordic wunderkind Hird. Nagano and Bodin have also been touring with stable mate Jose Gonzalez of late and alongside Wirstrand all appear on his recent album In Our Nature.
The album is a mixture of melancholy folk, broken beats and funky grooves, opening up with the sombre story of love lost in Twice. Here Yukimi’s voice is haunting and sweet at the same time. Again dwelling on the sad side of life is No Love, a nice little piece with an innately warm sound. We are quickly jerked out of our sadness with the broken beats in Turn Left, synths verge on the cringe side but work well with the drum beats. One of the poppier numbers on here is Recommendation, catchy chorus and light percussion are the order of the day. Good stuff.
Nagano changes up her style with ease, the soulful feel of her voice in After The Rain is fantastic when matched with a bouncy bass line and brushed drums. Not every track on here appeals however, the dark electronic tones of Place To Belong doesn’t make good use of Nagano’s vocals and promised so much more. The closing track with its seemingly random electronic melody actually turns out to be a half decent track with an understated sound.
Hopefully Little Dragon don’t get assigned into a niche and reach a broader audience, as they really have something to show you. It’s unfortunate that so often artists like these guys get swept to the side for the likes of more commercially viable artists, but with the backing of their label Peacefrog they could turn out to be pretty special.
Perfect for: lazy Sunday mornings.
