Instinct

The singles Niki and the Dove released before their debut album Instinct hinted at a wide range: "DJ, Ease My Mind" offered state-of-the-art Swedish pop with a Knife-like edge, while "The Fox," with its lunging, predatory cello loop, explored much darker territory. Malin Dahlström and Gustaf Karlöf live up to the promise of those singles on these songs, bridging the gaps between them and taking their sound to further extremes along the way. At first, the balance between their sweetness and light and their gothier side can seem more like a tug of war. After a few listens, however, these changes feel natural and yes, even instinctive. It helps that Niki and the Dove lead their listeners into the more mystical side of their sound gradually through the album like a trail of breadcrumbs.