Listen: Xul Zolar - "Ilajaly"

07 October 2014, 09:45 | Written by George O'Brien

(Tracks)

(Xul Zolar)

Having bonded over a mutual love for the likes of The Smiths and Talking Heads, Xul Zolar have conjured-up a recipe for blissfully hooky, psych-tinged alt.pop that is sure to win over countless fans of the resurgent genre.

The Cologne duo - Ronald Rottel and Marin Geier - started writing back in 2011 and, having added a drummer, put out two 7" singles before unveiling this first official release of the year.

And what an attention-grabbing track it is: a funk-fuelled bassy riff drives along below the initially eerie synth and tropical percussion work that brings to mind the brilliance of Glass Animals. Immaculate vocal work calls out "this is why I'll never fall for someone again" with subtle longing above an otherwise dancing feel.

Stream the wonderful "Ilajaly" below and say a hearty hello to Xul Zolar. Expect more great things to come with their EP due early 2015.