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Editorial Review:
Sigur Rós--the sound of snow-capped peaks. Or winged things flocking over vast plains. Or salmon making that final courageous, muscular leap upstream, homeward bound. Ever since the BBC so aptly enlisted the help of their "Hoppipolla" single to theme their groundbreaking natural history series Planet Earth, the ever-ethereal Icelandic band have become somewhat typecast, finding themselves conducting the awe across the backdrops of nearly every other programme in that broad genre. And with that came the danger that all which followed would automatically become an instant cliche. And though their last album Takk saw a slowing of their evolution in favour of solidifying the established sound in accessible earfuls, the reassuringly unpronounceable Með Suð í Eyrum Við Spilum Endalaust (which translates as "with a buzz in our ears we play endlessly") sees enough of a stylistic twist to keep things moving, without undercutting this new approachability. Where previously they sounded untouched by human hands, all alien post-rock abstractions, they now sound much more organic, sometimes literally like men playing instruments in a room. Albeit pensively, and extraordinarily. It is a perky record, attentive and exquisite, familiar but not derivative. The rhythmically adventurous "Gobbledigook" reminds of Brooklyn experimentalists Battles, unplugged, the xylophone heavy "Inní Mér Syngur Vitleysingur" is this album’s "Hoppipolla" and "Ara Batur" is trembling, lonely and eventually triumphant. "Festival", the album’s centrepiece, melds the old and new Sigur Rós dramatically over nine majestic minutes and must number amongst the best moments of their career. --James Berry
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
a transitional album I think this album is a transitional one for Sigur Ros. They've become a band that had a specific sound and they were no doubt aware that they needed to develop their style to avoid stagnation. With their latest release there are clear signs that the band wanted to make a different kind of a record. The songs are shorter, more acoustic sounding and generally more upbeat. They've tried to rely less on tried and tested ways of working and moved towards spontaneity and improvisation. At least half of... more info
A spectacular change in direction for one of the best bands ever! Ive been a fan of Sigur Ros for quite a while now. I became accustomed to the etherial and powerfull sounds of Takk and (). The new album however is totally different. Its faster, happier and more enjoyable to listen to. Not that the others weren't, its just this new approach by Sigur Ros is just absolutely staggering. The jaw droppingly powerfull sounds of 'Ara Batur' keeps its roots firmly locked in to older albums, while the new 'Via Spilum Endalaust', 'Inní mér syngur vitleysingur' and... more info
Predictably good? This, the fourth album proper from the band, starts well with two songs that sound fresh, lively and a little different before normal service is resumed with mixed results. I wish they'd continued with the sunnier upbeat vibe of those opening tracks and made this their summer album (I already see 'Agaetis' as their wet behind the ears Spring album and '( )' their chilly winter disc). When compared to the previous three albums you'd have to conclude that this is the weakest but it is still an enjoyable... more info
uplifting affirming spooky wonderful fusion I'm new to sigur ros - stumbled on to them via mtv 'inside me a lunatic sings' ('inni mer...', the 2nd track) it's on youtube. very creative watchable band, please give a try if you like killers, muse, mgmt, beatles, arcade fire - this group has elements of all and we are going to enjoy this amazing talent for years to come hopefully. other tracks are on my first hearing are just as compelling. Better than bjork!
