Reading 2012: Niki & The Dove, Festival Republic Stage

Following a vicious outpouring of mid-teens post Alt-J, triangle signs surrender and only a handful stick around for what could easily reckon as a potential Reading highlight. Malin Dahlström and Gustaf Karlöf regardless appear grateful of those that see sense in witnessing their sparkling Nordic pop, particularly as a handful becomes a steady flow of curious onlookers.

The crowd is split between those that sing back every single word - not boastfully, more hushed and modest in appreciation - lost in the gooey glistening goodness of ‘DJ, Ease My Mind’, and others who stand at more of a distance and take it all in. Niki & The Dove are a real sore thumb in this year’s line-up; not one single act comes close to providing such a magnificent feast of pop. The band’s set flows majestically, with the collision of Magnus Böqvist and Karlöf’s percussion a highlight. Focus tends to drift as the band get more and more consumed in their ways, and if you solely compare it to the Alt-J en masse love-in that preceded, attention can wane. But it’s enjoyed best with eyes closed and the mind drifting in with the truly unique magic on display.