It’s fairly easy to say that with the growing ease of finding new bands for ourselves, it’s also easy to stick with a lot of music that sounds the same. While trying to break myself from this, I can only be reminded of one of the most unique bands of the last two decades. That band, of course, is Sigur Rós. Although they formed in 1994 and haven’t released an album since 2008, I feel that they are band that deserves the recognition anytime someone wants to give it.
Formed as a trio in Iceland, in 1994, ‘Sigur Rós’ derives from the Icelandic words for victory and rose. The sister of the bands singer/guitarist, Jón Þór Birgisson’s (Jónsi), was named Sigurrós when she was born the day the band was formed; so they took the name and made it two words. Releasing their first album in 1997, Sigur Rós slowely picked up momentum. Their 1999 album, Ágætis byrjun, received fantastic reviews and helped their fame spread. With a few EPs here and there, they also released two more full lengths in 2002 and 2005, () and Takk. The first video below is the single, ‘Hoppipolla’ (Hop in Puddles), from Takk.
The second video below is a single off of their most recent album, Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust. The video showcases the songs more uplifting feel. Earlier Sigur Rós albums have been defined by their unique style. This is a combination of post-rock and experimental elements that tend to always create epic soundscapes. One characteristic of this, is Jónsi’s signature guitar playing where he uses a cello bow and an effects board to create a grand feeling to his chords. The most recent album, and single, show more of a departure from this into more concrete song structure. The single, “Gobbledigook,” was 71 on Pitchfork’s top 100 songs of 2008, calling it an, “invitation to bounce around the room instead of huddling in front of the stereo.” This of course was in reference to their old minimalist style.
Basically, when it comes down to it, check the band out. It is for the post-rock (Explosions in the Sky) type person. A warning about the second video, as it does contain nudity because the plot follows young adults engaging in naturism within the forest.
*Warning* Video above contains nudity.
Additional resources:
Official Website
