Sigur Ros, Svefn-g-englar

item info

category: music > digital

record label: FatCat

year: 1999

catalog number: fat036

tracks: 1: Svefn-G-Englar 2: Viorar Vel Til Loftarasa 3: Nyja Lagio 4: Syndir Guos

item description

Formed in January, 1994, Sigur Rós are an Icelandic four-piece band who, if the startled reactions to the pre-release CDs of this 12” are anything to go by, look set to be huge. Although until now Sigur Rós have remained unreleased outside of their native country, to date they have released 3 albums in Iceland (all on the Smekkleysa label) – ‘Von’, their debut in 1997; a remix of this, ‘Vonbrigð’, a year later; and a month ago, the awesome new ‘Agætis Byrjun’, which has been number 1 in Iceland since, garnering some amazing press reviews.

First spotted playing live at a Gus Gus party in Reykjavik, at which FatCat were Dj-ing, the band forge a stunning brand of beautifully-orchestrated, deeply atmospheric music. Layering a huge, rich and emotional space through a mixture of guitars, keyboard, flute, accordian, bass, drums and vocals, their tracks become extended soundscapes that shift and slide, flowering in massive crescendos, hooking the listener and dragging him /her with them.

If you’re looking for reference points, check God Speed You Black Emperor or Rachel’s (and yes, they are really that good). What marks out a major difference though, is singer Jonsi’s distinctive vocal style. Sung in a mixture of Icelandic and ‘Hopelandish’ (the band’s own made-up language – recalling Liz Fraser’s babytalk in The Cocteau Twins), his voice slips across the music, following its rises and falls.

Just as impressive are the band’s live performances. Two tracks on the CD single bear witness to their power as a live force: ‘Nýja Lagið’ and ‘Syndir Guðs’ (both exclusive to the CD).

**PLEASE NOTE THAT CD IS A REPRESS VERSION AND NOT IN THE ORIGINAL SLEEVE