JJ 'V' Album Review

Little is known of Swedish duo JJ. What can be stated with certainty is that they are keen to maintain a low profile (they decline to be interviewed, pose for press shots etc etc) and they like to shock (an early line of merchandise featured fake blood spatters). All of which leaves you slightly wincing as you slap on the Gothenburg pair’s third LP: will it be a grunting, grinding affair, chiefly interested in knocking you out of your comfort zone? 
In fact, V is rather a delight – almost too delightful in places, with esoteric flourishes that wouldn’t feel out of place on a new age compilation or even an Enya LP. Still, when it gets its shit together, the record is agreeably woozy: the title track sounds like Christina Aguilera fronting Yeasayer; ‘Dynasti’ and ‘Dean and ‘Me’ will remind you of Grimes, though with slightly more obvious melodies (is that a bad thing? We’re not sure). Occasionally trite, always catchy, JJ have pulled off quite a trick, dressing up commercial music in the guise of avant-garde prankster-pop.
Are their tongues in cheek? Or do they simply enjoy getting their Abba on? If they ever get around to giving interviews, rest assured it’s the first question we’ll ask. 
OUT AUGUST 22.