Synchronised Swimmers is the effervescent acoustic pop of The Weepies, only swapping Americans for Icelandic people and introducing banjo into the mix. There is no possible way to dislike this music, unless youre opposed to things that sound pretty and make you want to sing.
Icelands almost-to-be-expected plucky soprano vocals apply here, as Hulds almost-too-cute voice dominates the proceedings. Her songs are brilliant pop tunes, scoring on almost every track (excluding Boys and Perfume, which is an entirely forgettable one). Action Man is a gorgeous number with excellent melodies in the verse and chorus, which is rare and welcomed. It always sounds of the verge of exploding into a big, triumphant piece, but it doesnt, and its all the better for it.
Oldest Friend is a poignant piece that sticks with me. Kongulo is one of the few tracks with guitar chords (instead of finger-picked melodies), and its Spanish-inspired rhythms and chords make it obvious why this was a chart-topping track in Iceland. Robot Robot is a quirky love song that would make Ingrid Michaelson jealous. Homemade Lemonade is an unabashed and wonderful summer tune. Vampires gets a bit too much like The Weepies, what with the male/female duet thing. Its still nice, though.
Synchronised Swimmers isnt perfect, but its a high A. Its hard to make unique-but-accessible pop songs, and Huld has at least three or four amazing ones hanging out here. Im unsure why she hasnt taken America by storm, but Im going to say Give it time on this one. Theres just no way people with ears can pass up such brilliant, memorable pop. Highly recommended. Stephen Carradini