Axel Flóvent goes pure pop on infectious new ode "City Dream"

The Akureyri-born, Amsterdam-based artist hints at the sparkling '80s-splashed noises of The 1975 on the cut, which follows up folk-pop ballad "Quiet Eyes". Flóvent shows off a more instantly hooky side of himself on this offering, with riffy chirrups, clattering percussion, and even a sax solo at the end.

"'City Dream' is such a chapter change for me in every way," says Flóvent. "I’ve moved to another country, all new people around me, I feel more in control over what I’m creating in terms of fewer mental devils holding me back inside my head. Exploring this whole new version of the world I never knew before."

"I always felt like when I went back to Iceland after tours and travels, I was less in control of my writing and my overall mindset," Flóvent continues. "The country and the society can be so isolating and overwhelming, especially when you don't feel like you fit in... it’s been a two year journey since I released [debut EP] Forest Fires, and I’ve played in lot of amazing countries, and a lot of amazing festivals, but for some reason everything felt out of place. And I didn’t have a clue what I was doing, and I always had the dream of trying to move some place else. Don’t get me wrong, I love Iceland and I always feel really safe and peaceful going there. But I’m not supposed to be there for now. So that is what 'City Dream' is about.”

Flóvent plays a slew of European dates this winter, with shows at London's Mirrors Festival and Iceland Airwaves confirmed. Find out more.