NIKI & THE DOVE perform THE FOX at Glasslands in Brooklyn on June 14th 2012

A flower child at a Donovan show in 68 peppered with a club kid dolled up for a long night at the Limelight – this was my first impression of Niki and the Dove, as the frontwoman emerged from backstage. It seemed impossible to predict what type of music I was in for, however, I was swiftly engulfed in the vibe which was both epic and fanciful. Magnus Böqvist commanded heavy rhythms behind the drums while Gustaf Karlöf crafted dreamy moods on the keyboard. Malin Dahlström’s vocals transitioned sharply between flirty screeches and unconditional war cries. The blend was natural and instinctive and at times, I felt like I was in a cathedral. Other moments, I was adventuring heroically through a dark and enchanted forest, machete in hand. Nikki and the Dove reminded me that there’s really only one reason that we all go to live shows – to get lost in the music.

– Graham Savage Wasley