Been a massive fan of Kisses for some time. Jesse and Zinzi shared a track for the second Poule d’Or compilation three years ago and went on releasing an absolutely phenomenal debut album on french label Maman Records. The couple took a bit of a break from their band then – it seemed at least. At last year’s SXSW Team Poule ran into Zinzi and Jesse who was playing with his other band Princeton. They seemed very excited about recording together again – I mean, look above. They can hardly contain themselves.

So NOW Kids In LA is here and it turned out absolutely phenomenal. Overall the songs are a bit darker and more grown up or serious maybe than on the first album but Kids In LA still carries this great warm feel to it. Washed out guitar lines, catchy riffs and Jesse’s rich, dreamy vocals. Listening feels like being in California, with its warm palmy air – air you can kiss. Also, Zinzi is singing on a couple of songs too now which adds a really lovely layer to their sound.

At nine songs Kids In LA doesn’t really have a standout track. Instead they all go really well together. Kisses just give you this happy sunny feeling which is all you can ask for really. Great album. Attached is the latest single Huddle – happy music.

Kids In LA is out Tuesday, May 14th on Cascine and Splendour.

Hoorah! Finally news from England’s amazing Glass Animals. Saw these chaps at Reeperbahn Festival last year – easily Team Poule’s favorite gig. So and now they annouced a new EP to be released on Paul Epworth’s label Wolf Tone.

First single is Black Mambo. As smooth as it gets. They’ll play Melt Festival this summer, look out!

Brilliant demo track coming in from Stockholm. Four lads just finishing college: So Many Details. They are recording this on one of those uber-hipster early 2000s Macs – so it might take a while to hear more from them. However, there will be more songs, they say. Loving this one for sure.

Fantastic 80’s infused tropical electronica from Sweden. AfterParty has a couple of songs sitting on his Soundcloud, ranging from Jarre-and-Miami-Vice-type 80s-synth to modern electro and house sounds. Really, quite addictive. Attached is the catchy Jungle Dreams with a pop twist.

Norway apparently isn’t just rich on oil, they also produce another quite precious commodity: pop music. This is Disaster In The Universe and they aren’t disastrous at all actually. Cheap joke? Long hair don’t care. Listening to their latest single Recovering (>Spotify) makes Team Poule feel like anything is possible.

And maybe it is. Judged by that video above the lads are only best to be consumed live on stage. I mean, look! And we’re in luck, Disaster In The Universe are doing two gigs in Germany this week, playing Hamburg’s prestigious Astra Stube tomorrow, May 3rd. I suggest we see you there. Or in Lüneburg on Saturday.