Twins Rob and Katy Pearson were in a band called Kitten and Bear until as recently as this month, when they announced a name change, to Ardyn. An appropriation of the Latin term for enthusiastic, Ardyn come off precisely that on their debut track 'Universe' with Katy's bewitching vocal being possessed by the essence of a riled-up Florence Welch in the final clattering chorus. What Ardyn do so well on this, the first cut from their debut EP on National Anthem (HAIM, CHVRCHES), is balance their delicately brisk acoustic elements and more febrile pop-rock textures; in that respect 'Universe' kind of reminds us of the first time we heard excellent Brighton duo GAPS. And as if the cool points weren't already flowing thick and fast, the record, Universe, was produced by XL's in-house hitmaker Rodaidh McDonald (The XX, King Krule). Make no mistake, you'll be hearing a lot about Ardyn in the coming weeks. - DC