(Mute)

www.mute.com

Just like Ikea, I'm From Barcelona is big, unwieldy yet precise, eclectic and Swedish. Come to think of it, the band's Arcade Fire-meets-Polyphonic Spree easy-listening pop would be a great soundtrack for shoppers strolling through the many aisles of the iconic furniture store.

The band began as a concept thought up by one Emanuel Lundgren, who originally intended it to be a one-off - an EP, a live show, mark made, and done. Enter awesome reviews and blog buzz, and Lundgren and his 29 friends went on to release their sophomore album, this time on Mute. From the get-go, Lundgren's songwriting rings out layered, luscious, and a just little bit darling. The opener, "Andy," is a building anthem with a chorus sung by a choir, an ode to someone they want in the band who requires "no audition" and doesn't "have to pretend." Sweet deal. French singer Soko joins Lundgren to duet on "Gunhild," a relatively sparse ballad with a slight electronic beat and acoustic guitar strings scrapes. "Headphones" mines territory already explored by Bjork - the joy of blocking out the real world with music - but only in concept, not arrangement.

I'm From Barcelona spares no expense as far as instrumentation is concerned. Strings, horns, swirling keyboards, and backing vocals fill out the spaces between the core of guitars, bass, and drums. Songs soar to heart-racing apexes and fall back down into quiet passages of introspection. But Lundgren doesn't write twee ditties. He's got a gigantic vision and successfully pulls it off. This may not be his fault, but his music just feels tailor-made for an Apple or Volkswagen commercial. It's bright and accessible, but just quirky and interesting enough to cause even the most casual listener to prick up his or her ears a bit.

 Standout Tracks: "Andy," "Gunhild" JONAH FLICKER