Mew

Who? Hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, the core members of Mew -- vocalist Jonas Bjerre, guitarist Bo Madsen, and drummer Silas Graae -- dropped their first-ever U.S. release this week after snatching up nearly every music prize offered in their home country and building a rabid fan base.

What's the Deal? They're experimental enough to woo fans of Radiohead, and straightforward enough to lap up lovers of Coldplay on their fourth album, And the Glass Handed Kites. The most active ingredient in Mew's formula is Bjerre's voice, its range unfathomably broad, making it almost impossible to believe that the same man sings the sugary choruses on "Special" and the aggressive chants on "Apocalypso." And on "The Zookeeper's Boy" it's absolutely heavenly, a spectral rinse coursing through a twinkling, fairy tale of a song.

Fun Fact: Mew is currently on its first proper U.S. tour, having kicked off this week with a special show at New York City's Hiro Ballroom and continuing in the opening spot on Bloc Party's upcoming jaunt. PETER GASTON

Now Hear This:
Mew - "The Zookeeper's Boy" WINDOWS MEDIA HIGH | LOW
Mew - "Special" WINDOWS MEDIA HIGH | LOW
Mew - "Apocalypso" WINDOWS MEDIA HIGH | LOW

Now Watch This:
Mew talk about their new album QUICKTIME | WINDOWS MEDIA

Talk: Would you like this Danish treat with your morning coffee? COMMENT

On the Web: mewsite.com