Miike Snow – Silvia (Youtube)

Miike Snow’s eponymous debut album has been one of the slow burning highlights of 2009, in my opinion. I grabbed the album some time ago on the strength of the single Black and Blue, but every time I’ve gone back to the album I’ve been rewarded with something different.

The hurdy-gurdy stomp of Animal is one such track, sounding like Phoenix stuck on a waltzer. But in a good way. However, it’s Silvia which is really the most rewarding offering from the Swedish band.

You might not hear it on first listen, but there’s a lot going on in this track, from the melancholic vocals to the echo piano and the obligatory octave hopping synths. There’s even some bleeps and bloops in there for good measure.

Like all my favourite songs though, it takes over a part of your brain in a good way, and I’ve found myself humming it more and more apropos of nothing. And in my world, that’s a good thing.