SIGUR RÓS
ÁGAETIS BYRJUN
ALBUM FAT CAT, PLAYGROUND RELEASE: JUNE, 2000 REVIEW: AUGUST 29, 2000
Iceland, with a population of a mere 275 000 people, has really made an
impact in the contemporary music scene the last couple of years. Björk, Gus
Gus, Magga Stína, Emiliana Torrini and now Sigur Rós. The feeling they all
have in common is spelled genuine. They all feel both brittle and powerful
at the same time. Sigur Rós, a four piece orchestra, samples elements from a
vast spectrum, with emotional expression being the core of their
compositions.
"Ágaetis Byrjun" is based on musical craftsmanship and
is constantly complex and interesting. Singer Jonsi also contributes
to this, being a new and overwhelming experience. He sings in
both Icelandic and his self invented one, called hopelandish.
So far so good.
What happens over time though, is that "Ágaetis Byrjun" sort of fades,
becomes less intriguing. It's still some pretty impressive songs, but I'm not
as hypnotised in the end as I was initially.
However, I would be a fool not to recommend Sigur Rós to fans of calm,
multilayered and emotional pop/rock in the vein of Radiohead, for whom they
will be warming up on their two Copenhagen concerts in the beginning of
September.
