Listen: Flamingods - "Hyperborea"

28 April 2014, 09:45 | Written by Charlotte Krol

(Tracks)

(Flamingods)

Experimental world music quintet Flamingods are back with their second album this summer, and the lead single, “Hyperborea”, is about as perfect an introduction you can get.

Opening with gorgeous Middle Eastern zither sounds (we think it might be a Qanun), “Hyperborea” is effervescent from the word go with otherworldy drone and psyched-out vocal mumblings. At the three-minute mark, the band’s trademark percussive character juts out, all syncopated beats and sharp clicks providing a swirling bedrock for stunning, expansive prog-rock melodies.

Imagine crawling inside George Harrison’s brain after Ravi Shankar session and you’re just about there. It’s big, bold, and hits the heart and mind.

The new album, Hyperborea, is out on 21 July via Shape Records.