Sälen - Diseasey

‘Diseasey’ is an amazing word. Everyone should use it, especially when it’s being linked to the complex but astute delivery of London trio Sälen.

A big problem with the current alt-pop world is a refusal to go beyond smart beats and nice, light synths. But Sälen vocalist Ellie Kamio has an amazingly frank way with words. “What’s coming over me? Why am I in bed with you?” she sings, referring to another guy’s girl as a “bint”. There’s nothing holding her back, forthright opinions being her forté.

This gross, ‘Diseasey’ subject has a hold on Kamio. “I’m into your sickness / Infect with me with your weakness,” she admits, wrestling with the idea of falling for someone so obviously icky. But while she’s entangled in a web of doubt, she’s leading Sälen through refreshingly honest pop, music that goes beyond a box ticking aesthetic. Prepare to get infected.