Kashmir is a Danish band whose last two albums have reached Platinum level sales in their homeland. Kasper Eistrup (vocal and guitar), Mads Tuneberg (bass), Asger Techau (drums), and Henrik Lindstrand (keyboards and guitar) are now launching themselves onto the UK scene with a haunting pop/rock album of the highest quality. And on the strength of what I’ve heard, the guys should make many new friends.

Opening track Rocket Brothers slides in on a wave of subtle, haunting guitar sounds before Eistrup offers his understated vocal magic to this moving and melodic song. Imagine the Flaming Lips meeting the Beach Boys and you’ll get an idea of just how good this is. Quick-fire, muted drum beats welcome in the darker vibe of Surfing The Warm Industry, where the band take on a rockier identity which is totally convincing. The Aftermath then reverts to a more sedate pace in a beautiful, intelligent song that meanders along like a gently rippling stream, with a bass rhythm akin to a heartbeat. Superb.

Every one of the fourteen songs on this album has something special and distinctive to offer, with an emotional ambience that is seldom heard in today’s manufactured music scene. Eistrup’s vocals are a revelation with a style that changes to meet each song’s message. There’s diversity of pace too, and as in Melpomene which midway changes from a dark, slow paean to love over to a rock-out conclusion. The Push introduces a mild country vibe into the album, while Ramparts rocks its little socks off in royal fashion. Petite Machine is one of the album’s very best and with its gradually building crescendo that can only be described as epic pop of the highest order.

Kashmir combines intelligence, integrity, originality and strong sense of melody in its music, and this album is nothing short of superb. Essential listening.

5/5