Tag Archives: Sigur Ros

Ulfur – White Mountain

Western Vinyl, 2013

The first solo disc of Icelandic notable Ulfur Hansson, these seven tracks collect random field recordings from his travels, assembling them into a soothing and unique listen of ambient ideas. From the sounds of birds to stones hitting water, plenty of organic noises are plugged into layers of harps, flutes, violins, and mandolins, among the standard guitars and slight drumming. An artistic listen of intimate and warm sounds, this is both meditative and awe-inspiring.

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Sin Fang – Flowers

Morr, 2013

The solo outlet for Seabear’s singer, Sin Fang’s third album is a very full listen, yet is anchored by the beauty that Iceland is so known for. Jangly-indie rock and driving guitars are complemented by charming synth and gentle strings, as the layered vocals sit well with the electro and chamber pop tones. This one has it all – big pop hooks, fast rhythms mixed with quieter ebbs, and a focused power and grace unique to each track.

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Elara – Soundtrack For A Quiet Place

Fluttery, 2013

“Me and You Under the Aurora Borealis”; thus is the opening track of Elara’s three track EP titled, and thus is the rest of this review rendered fairly redundant, as it tells you more about the music than I ever could. But just in case you’ve got nothing better to do: the Italian trio go for a sound that’s heavy on the light and airy, its dreamy instrumental post-rock relentlessly soothing, every elongated guitar and prettily plinked piano tuned to ‘uplifting’. Me and you under the Aurora Borealis, probably with a flask of hot tea and adorable ear muffs. Hug?

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Happy New Year – Happy New Year

Crikey, 2012

A one woman band, Eleanor Logan’s interest in noise-pop, post-punk and synth-pop come through in a cinematic and often dark delivery. Her choice of instruments and organic recording process make this a truly unique listen, her atmospheric and dreamy songs often bordering on hypnotic. This is blurry, hazy pop music at its finest, ideal for the in-depth listener.

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The Dandelion War – We Were Always Loyal To Lost Causes

The Dandelion War - We Were Always Loyal To Lost CausesDeep Elm, 2012

I bet you didn’t even know that the gap between Sigur Rós and The Antlers was one that needed plugging. Well, it evidently did, and the good news is The Dandelion War have already gone and done it for you. The band are not coy about their influences, and it has to be said, they do them proud. The instrumentation is carefully deliberated: affecting, yet never mawkish; and the skill and musicianship is considerable. It’s dreamy, shoegazey, and brimming with pathos: in short, lovely.

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