Album: Niki and the Dove, Instinct (Mercury)

The impression that Niki and the Dove are essentially the Knife for pop kids is corroborated, not dispelled, by their debut album.

That's no bad thing. Nobody does this kind of thing quite like the Swedes, and NATD are a welcome addition to that nation's synthpop hall of fame. "Mother Protect" is a monster – but it's not alone. Other standout tracks include "In Our Eyes" and "DJ, Ease My Mind". Niki and the Dove are the real deal, not white-painted pigeons.