The ShortListen: The Happy Hippo Family (no. 202)

Who? The Happy Hippo Family

What’s the story? With a name like The Happy Hippo Family, we were fully expecting the most twee indie folk that it's possible to make - and then we hit play. A crescendo of M83-style washy pads, electro stabs and then some strident guitar; yes, this was a reminder not to judge a book by its cover. The Swedish five piece have been building a following in their native country for a couple of years but this is their first UK release - and it's an absolute belter. Utterly uncynical and inspiring, this is prime indie-pop, and just the thing to get you through the dark winter months. If you're in London, you can catch them at 93 Feet East tonight.

For fans of: M83, The Wombats, Passion Pit

In three words: Soaring indie pop