The Bird and the Bee
Who is this band? That’s what all the kids are saying aka what is the general response upon first listening to this group. The crystaline peals of the lead singer’s voice ring true, but make it incredibly difficult to sing along to. And you’re going to want to! The catchy, meaningful lyrics of their bouncy songs are irresistible when it comes to singing them loudly (generally incorrectly). Also, I find myself dancing with a funny crooked neck when this music is on.

I’m from Barcelona
“I have built a treehouse! I have built a treehouse! Nobody can see us: It’s a You and Me House!” with a banjo/mandolin/oohs/aahs backing and full-on danceability. I think they are probably not from Barcelona, as I, for some reason, can’t really picture a Spanish treehouse. Imagining that such things exist are beyond me. This band reminds you of something you can’t quite put your finger on, but don’t really feel pressure to dwell on. (ps. they are Swedish.)

Wildbirds & Peacedrums
Wild as in Amazonian rainforest wild! Their music is such an amalgam of styles and influences that it is literally impossible to classify – and it sounds as if it’s all created between a Swedish songbird and a Nord drummer. And it is! As Swedish pop duos go, they match the Scandinavian eccentricity that you’d expect, ranging from jumprope chants (with the backing of hand-made peacedrums) to nostalgic blues in the scope of each song. Any way you look at this band, it is a fun listen with its own brand of energy: an experience in itself.