Indians – Somewhere Else

One year ago, Indians – aka Copenhagen’s Søren Løkke Juul – had yet to release a song or play a gig. Now he’s got 4AD backing his debut album, a tour log featuring support slots with the likes of Beirut and Perfume Genius, and a fair bit of (deserved) buzz to boot.

But if the speed of his naught-to-lots trajectory seems rushed, the calm confidence of Somewhere Else provides immediate reassurance, with an impressive opening run of tracks that pairs the fresh (Birds’ fluttering euphony) with the already familiar (the gentle embrace of New; the barely-there sparkle of Magic Kids), ably affirming his readiness.

Admittedly, small doubts later set in thanks to directionless stretches that, while reinforcing the record’s dreamlike atmosphere, lack the spark of highlights like La Femme or the theramin-infused title track. But on those occasions where Juul’s stars align and he hits the sweet spot, the effect is heavenly.