Reykjavík Grapevine - 10.08.2012, Síða 40

CONCERT
R E V I E W
ERT
R E V I E W
40 The Reykjavík GrapevineIssue 12 — 2012
Sigur Rós Bring HEIMA To The World
As the band’s first world tour in four years
commences, a Canadian journalist finds
himself swept all the way back to Iceland
on the wings of their majestic songs
My partner Zoë and I travelled to Ice-
land in the late spring and as appears
to be the case with most visitors,
we immediately fell in love with the
country and its charming populace.
The breathtaking landscapes and
unspoiled scenery that dazzled us at
every turn of our trip around the ring
road had us wishing we could stay
longer, or perhaps never leave. We
soon found ourselves back home in
Toronto resuming our daily routines,
and wondering if a return to our new
favourite country was ever to be. As
luck would have it, we had a chance
to enjoy the next best thing this sum-
mer.
Formed in Reykjavík nearly twenty
years ago, Sigur Rós has blossomed
into a world class act and certainly
a national treasure. We heard their
music played on our Icelandair f light
and at many shops and restaurants
during our vacation. Having been
casual fans for years, Zoë and I
naturally ramped up our interest in
the band as we toured its spectacular
homeland. Sigur Rós provided an
apt soundtrack for our adventure, the
cathartic nature of the songs propel-
ling us through endless tableaus of
inconceivable beauty. Upon returning
to Canada, we were thrilled to hear
that the band would in turn be paying
us a visit.
Only two tracks from ‘Valtari’
Echo Beach, an outdoor venue on
Toronto’s waterfront, proved to be a
good fit. Once close enough to the
stage to block out the mass of corpo-
rate branding that dominates much
of the 5.000 capacity space, we found
ourselves in perfect position to take
in the exploits of Jónsi and his ac-
complices. The expectedly restrained
audience was rapt from note one, as
the only two offerings from 2012’s
‘Valtari’ LP led off the evening.
"Ekki múkk" seamlessly bridged
the ambient sounds that had been
playing pre-show, methodically
creeping through the speakers with
quiet confidence. Three players
apiece comprised the string and horn
sections that supported the band,
with each trio adding subtle texture
to "Varúð." Like a refreshing burst of
Nordic ocean air, Sigur Rós breezed
into the performance. Muted horn
swells followed Jónsi’s bowed guitar
introduction of "Ný batterí," which
provided the first spark of the set
thanks to Orri Páll’s precise drum
hits and some big sci-fi synths.
Travelling without moving
Memories of our trip began flood-
ing back as the night unfolded. An
enchanting start to “Í Gær” evoked
the windy drive down to Seyðisfjör-
dur, but soon became as dark as the
Lofthellir lava cave. Zoë and I slow-
danced to the endearingly off-tune
“Vaka” as we had while overlooking
Jökulsárlón, and Jónsi executed his
keyboard and vocals parts with gusto
on the ten year-old tune. “Sæglópur”
followed, delighting onlookers with
its catchy piano riff then making
great use of vibraphones as it built
hypnotically into textbook post-rock
fury. “The very few stylistic con-
temporaries of Sigur Rós could only
dream of putting on this grand a
spectacle,” I thought to myself.
Jónsi shone once again on the
nautical "Svefn-g-englar," broad bow
strokes and soaring falsetto draw-
ing the crowd into a trance before
the bridge burst through to signal
a rousing finale. The proud march
of "Hoppípolla" gave way to more
flashbacks: the panoramic view from
atop Skógafoss, the reveal of sleepy
Siglufjörður after a series of taut tun-
nels. Our recollections were painted
all the more vividly by the cinematic
quality of the music. “Festival” gave
Orri the spotlight as he attacked
its eruptive climax with battle-like
focus. Georg Hólm tapped out the
bass notes of "Hafsól" with a stick, an
impressive feat that laid the ground-
work for psychedelic f luttery before
drummer Orri was once again shot
out of a cannon for the peak.
Overwhelming, in a good way
We could have kept listening all
night. The encore combo of "Dauða-
lagið" and " P o p p l a g i ð" made
plain the duality the band expertly
wields. While the former suggested
a lullaby-laden farewell, the latter
jolted us into a chaotic stupor with its
prolonged madness. Sigur Rós was
at once mysterious, unspeakably gor-
geous and overwhelming in the most
perfect of ways.
As the band said goodnight, Zoë
and I embraced, feeling lucky to be
alive and to have experienced all that
we have in relation to our wonderful
journey. Some places slip easily from
one's conscience after departing their
shores, and some remain stuck in the
mind uncontrollably. We now have
the spirit of Iceland running through
our veins, and we couldn’t be happier.
We shall return.
- DAN WARRY-SMITH
MUSIC
Echo Beach
Toronto01
AUGUST
Sigur Rós
Read more from Dan at his blog
www.societyvernacular.com
sigurros http://sigur-ros.co.uk/valtari/buy/
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