Track Of The Day :: Xul Zolar - Ilajaly

Remember Cologne-based Xul Zolar's track 'Hex' of last year? No, neither did we offhand, but over 27,000 of you have tuned into it since its Soundcloud upload. But unlike the newly revealed ‘Ilajaly’ it obviously didn't catch our attention in quite the same way - which could of course be because we're still in a quandary as to how 'Ilajaly' should be pronounced (we have come up with five options so far ...).

One way to get attention at least, not that 'Ilajaly' needs any dressing up since it is one of the most instantly likeable tracks we have heard recently; one of those that you like so much you have it playing on repeat through your ears for an unlimited time, with hooks lingering even longer in the head. Attention grabbing with its jangly pop edge, and cool as a cucumber synths, it may well surprise those unfamiliar with the band that they are German, neither accent or musical sound textures give any clue to that, except maybe for the precise and crisp drum effects and production.

Xul Zolar are an electro-pop three-piece founded by Ronald Röttel, and Marin Geier, who met in Cologne’s infamous Club Sheisse (Club Shit) back in 2011. They bonded over a mutual love of The Smiths and Talking Heads and decided to start writing songs together. Adding a drummer, Tim Gorinski, live shows commenced and their exciting early live performances led to their being invited to play a number of prestigious events including Immergut Festival, Appletree Garden Festival, Reeperbahn and Dockville - not bad for a band who at that point had not even put out any music.

Following singles 'Hex' and 'Bedouin Man', ‘Ilajaly’ is their first official release of 2014 as well as the lead track from Xul Zolar's debut EP, due for release early next year. Before that a video to accompany 'Ilajaly' will be released shortly. Somehow we think Xul Zolar are going to be a name to remember this time round.