Efterklang: Magic Chairs (4AD)

Efterklang are a band that do not understand the concept of 'reigning yourself in'. Whereas some indie bands chuck in a cello of violin here and there to give their pathetic whimsy and perceived sense of gravitas, Efterklang seem to create the classical music structures and then graft the guitar/bass/drums/vocals on top. And by doing things with this singular vision they manage to transcend what would be a fairly bland musical style into something elegant and majestic. Having the family Broderick (Peter & Heather) on board certainly does not hinder their ability to produce a piece of pop beauty and to craft an intellectual niche in the music world.

I feel as though i should be listening to this album in a smoking jacket with a glass of port in hand, such is the overbearing feeling of high class quality. Lager and a T Shirt seems slightly disrespectful.