Search - Sigur Ros :: Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust

Intoxicating

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 10/08/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Coming across this musical group, Sigur Rós, was a happy addendum to viewing the very extraordinary film ONDINE. For those who have yet to see this atmospheric otherworldly love story, do. And realize that the mysterious song that accompanies the figure of Ondine is the work of Sigur Rós. The title of this album is MED SUD I EYRUM VID SPILUM ENDALAUST which in English means "With a Buzz in our Ears We Play Endlessly". The language is Icelandic and the mood that this very unique group expresses is much in keeping with that raw, barely touched, beautiful land few of us have had the pleasure of visiting. Sigur Rós is an Icelandic post-rock band with melodic, classical, and minimalist elements. The band is known for its ethereal sound and lead singer Jónsi Birgisson's falsetto, and unfortunately for those of us who have discovered them only recently, the band is on hiatus. That is a loss.



On this particular album (the terrific cover art is by Ryan McGinley) the moods shift from playful to fanciful to tenderness. The final track 'All Right' is the only song sung in English and accompanied by piano. It is haunting enough to hear over and over. But that is not to disparage the other works, songs of voice and guitar and simply the band. According to the liner notes this is music that is free-spirited happiness and exploration - exploration in the true sense of working with all of the instruments and voices to uncover the possibilities, as well as pioneer like exploration of the world art large. This is exceptional music and the first response is to buy another of their several albums! Grady Harp, October 10"