While it may not necessarily be an enormous surprise to see that perennially cutting-edge Swedish singer/songwriter Jay-Jay Johanson is collaborate with Cocteau Twins co-founder Robin Guthrie — their association goes back at least as far as Johanson’s 2000 album, Poison — the product of their efforts is nonetheless a thing of beauty. What is a little on the unexpected side, however, is the fact that they’ve come together to cover a Bat For Lashes song, “Laura.” You can hear and see the shimmering results in the new video below, which finds the pair pouring it all out live at Red Bull Studios in Paris.
And for those of you with a desire to hear more from the pair, Guthrie also happens to guest on Johanson’s upcoming album. The latter’s 10th LP, Opium, is set for a June 8 release via Kwaidan Records and it finds Johanson and Guthrie getting together on a cut called “Scarecrow.”
A more detailed account of the pair’s collaboration can be found here.
And if you’re really eager to get your grubby mitts on that new album, you can pre-order it here.