Masquer (SE)

Swedish synth-pop outfit Masquer's debut consists of pop hits with a dark edge. Kicki Halmos who was half of Lowood, offers her Alesis and her tender voice next to Pelle Lundqvist, in charge of the distorted and melancholic guitars. They previously played together with Axel Willner, aka The Field, who's also remixed their single “Happiness”. Recorded by Per Egland and mixed by Björn Hansell –who's worked with Fever Ray– the self-titled debut indeed becomes part of the tiny list increased with other new acts such as Austra (if we look outside the Swedish frontiers) or Niki and the Dove, which Masquer has played together in different occasions.