Genre: Experimental/Ambient
Much of today's music tries to be fast, loud and belligerent. And at times, it grows tiring and begins to all sound the same. It's time like these that may drive listeners to find something new and innovative. In the loud and occasionally bothersome world of mainstream music, some may try to find innovation in a more somber and occasionally psychedelic music forum. This is how some have come to discover the hidden Icelandic gem Sigur Rós.
Many have tried to classify Sigur Rós, sometimes inventing genre names. Dream Pop, Post-Rock and Experimental-Ambient are some of the words that have been used to describe them. The band came out out a late 80s, early 90s musical scene known around the UK as "shoe-gazer," a term to describe certain alternative and experiential groups who would stand perfectly still as they played their instruments while keeping their head to the floor as if they were gazing at their shoes.
Despite their various classifications, the group's music is a mellow mix of psychedelic noise and ethereal, ambient sound manipulation. This combination mixed with lead singer Jónsi Birgisson's falsetto voice creates a soothing and trippy musical experience. One innovative technique in sound manipulation that the band has become known for is Birgisson playing electric guitar with a cello bow followed with a unique mix of reverberation, creating a fluidic sound.
The group formed in 1994, starting with members Jónsi Birgisson (vocals, guitar), Georg Hólm (bass), and Ágúst Ævar Gunnarsson (drums). The group named themselves after Birgisson's little sister, Sigurrós, meaning "victory rose."
They released their first album Von in 1997. Keyboardist Kjartan Sveinsson joined up a year later, soon releasing a remixed version of the album titled Von brigði. Sveinsson would come to contribute much in terms of orchestral and string arrangement in their work.
Their second album Ágætis byrjun won them critical acclaim internationally. They soon developed a cult following and were getting much support from the music community, including UK favorites Radiohead and other bands such as Metallica. Many of their songs have been seen in movies such as Vanilla Sky and The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
Many of their albums since have grown more experimental, like their 2005 release Takk, adding more rock into their formula. The band continues to experiment and find new innovations as they recently announced a new album planned for release sometime in late 2008.
Notable Albums:
Von (1997)
Ágætis byrjun (1999)
Takk (2005)
Notable Tracks:
"Sæglópur"
"Glósóli"
"Starálfur"
"Njósnavélin"
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