While I enjoyed their debut Heartcore, it was only when I saw Sweden’s Wildbirds and Peacedrums perform live that I really appreciated what it was that attracted the attentions of the usually more electronically-minded Leaf label. On stage, the two-piece were rather exciting; an exuberant blend of percussion and disarming vocals. With their more diverse second album The Snake they have really pushed on, adding a plethora of new instruments to their arsenal, and hitching these to some utterly irresistible melodies.

The transformation isn’t as obvious from the first couple of tracks. They begin low-key and a capella with a song showcasing Mariam Wallentin’s Kate Bush-like vocal hiccups, before she becomes a bluesy PJ Harvey riding the pounding drums of “There Is No Light“. After that, it changes up. “Chain Of Steel” is marimba-heavy, while the well-crafted “So Soft So Pink” and “Who Ho Ho Ho” have distinct eastern instrumental tinges. The lyrics can be naive; but they are delivered with such heart, with Wallentin saving her best performance for the last track. Over the steel drums of the magnificent and lengthy “My Heart” she radiates an epic ache, her voice cracking as she delivers the kiss-off: “I’m lost without your rhythm”. Her husband on drums behind her would no doubt be pleased to hear that.

With their second album, Wildbirds and Peacedrums have more than delivered on their early promise. The Snake has teeth and once it bites it isn’t for letting go. Visit Leaf’s shiny new website to pre-order a copy.