Hearts Bella Union ****

A decent backstory never hurt any new band, and who wouldn't be intrigued that this Swedish duo met in an online forum for hypochondriacs? Maria Lindén and Fredrik Balck make anaesthetically lush loops of guitar and synths to hypnotic effect. Their medical compulsions seep into several of the nine songs on Hearts, including Pulse(about being phobic about your heartbeat) and the desolate, almost religious Cancer. Shoegazeis an obvious comparison, both vocally and in terms of fuzzy layering. Still, there's something genuinely arresting about how Lindén's hazy voice flits over a sound that is simultaneously epic and ruminative. I Break Horses may gain some right/wrong comparisons to labelmates Beach House or bygone band Slowdive, but Heartsis a gorgeous debut all their own. See ibreakhorses.se

Download Tracks: Cancer, Winter Beats