HANS ISLAND

Bands named after little known territorial disputes between two of the world’s more peaceful and easygoing nations are, to put it mildly, quite rare. Yet the tiny Hans Island finds itself not only the subject of a long-rumbling and bitter disagreement between Denmark and Canada, but also the name taken by singer-songwriter Marie Dalhstrom and producer Mawhs for their transatlantic and oh-so-gorgeous collaboration. Why would they choose such a name? They are both from Denmark and Canada respectively of course.

Now based in London, Dahlstrom has vocals that are as cool as we imagine the High Arctic location of their geographical namesake to be. Overall the sound of Hans Island is altogether more temperate however. Their latest track, ‘Break Free‘ (which features on their debut, self-titled EP – out now) is a sultry late summer evening glow of synths and percussion.

It’s sunglasses and swimsuits at a private pool party as laid back grooves shimmer and glisten while exquisite hues of sunset pinks and oranges radiate from within. ‘Break Free‘ perfectly encapsulates their warm soulful tinged sound that is both soothing and invigorating. Your dancing may not be frenetic but you will find yourself moving and swaying to these swirling, heady melodies and subtly infectious beats.

Maybe we should play some Hans Island to the respective Danish and Canadian administrations to show them what can be achieved when you join forces. Come on, make dreamy intoxicating electronic-pop not war!

Words by Adam from Alphabet Bands

Tipped by  Souterrain