Today’s Daily Download is a wispy, oneiric track called ‘Emerald Hills’, by hotly tipped Finnish duo Villa Nah.

Don’t let their slightly preposterous name put you off, because these guys’ contribution to the soaring electronic pop tradition is significant, and its provenance impressive. Their 7″ single ‘Remains of Love’ was released on Sähkö’s freestyle offshoot Keys of Life – Sähkö being the legendary techno imprint operated by Tommi Gronlund and home over the years to the likes of Mika Vainio and Jimi Tenor.

Produced in collaboration with Jori Hulkonnen, Villa Nah’s new single ‘Running On’/’Ways To Be’ (out May 10) and forthcoming album Origin finds them working at the more commercial end of the severe, reductionist Sähkö style, spine-tingling vocals and warm synth textures recalling OMD circa Architecture & Morality. Origin was released in Finland earlier this year, hitting no.7 in the charts – proving that this is a band capable of winning over pop fans and electronic heads alike. A rare feat in this day and age, so cherish ’em.

Download: Villa Nah – Emerald Hills
(Available for seven days)


The band are in London this week for the following dates:

Friday, May 7
FORMULA at METALWERKS
Villa Nah (live) + Ali Renault DJ, Luke Abbott, Architeq (live), Joel Martin and more
10pm-4am, Metalwerks, 7 Torrens St, London, EC1V 1NQ

Saturday, May 8
Instore performance at Urban Outfitters, Oxford Street, London
4pm

Sunday, May 9
COCADISCO at LIFE
2-4 Old Street, London, EC1V 9AA
Villa Nah + Cocadisco DJs + more
9pm-2am, £3 on the door

Monday, May 10
XFM XPOSUREt at CAMDEN BARFLY
Villa Nah + Shy Child and more
7.30pm