It may not be the type of music to listen to before going out for a night on the juice, but 33 year old Peter von Poehl’s new album Going to where the tea trees are certainly has something unique that will get people going.

Berlin-based, hugely popular in France, with a Swedish mother and German father, you’d think his stuff would reek of trashy Eurovision glitter. In fact it’s quite the opposite; von Poehl’s music is chilled and laid back (as in the title track ‘Going to where the tea trees are’). Hints of John Lennon and Phil Collins are paramount in his innocent yet experienced voice.

 In songs like ‘A broken skeleton key’, his music also manages to be upbeat and has the lightest hint of pop; thanks to plenty of woodwind, brass and infrequent drums. ‘The lottery’ would have to be a personal favourite; with heavy cymbals and a classic beat. His falsetto is so reminiscent of Lennon I’m even willing to check that it’s not a cover. His lyrics are sometimes repetitive but are made up for in rich instrumentals and vocal tones.

‘Global conspiracy’ is funky, and probably one of the most lyrical songs on the album. The electro-drum vibe is subtly interrupted with the sound of a tuba occasionally popping up. It sounds interesting, but it somehow completes the sound of von Poehl’s alternative-folk vibe.

Recorded both in his Berlin apartment and the Swedish countryside, Going to where the tea trees are is lightweight and imaginative, yet heartfelt. “Songs are like public transportation for all”. It’s lucky I have a day off to relax and unwind, as I may just find myself nodding off and dreaming of a Scandinavian spring and fjords and log cabins and tea trees.