Reykjavík Grapevine - 07.12.2012, Side 25

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25 The Reykjavík GrapevineIssue 18 — 2012MUSIC
Album
Reviews
Ojba Rasta
Ojba Rasta
2012
facebook.com/OjbaRasta
Successful in bringing people
together and cementing their
spot on your party playlist
despite obvious shortcomings
There's an indecisive Icelandicness at work here. The production
values, line-up of instruments (clarinet, melodica, euphonium) and
vocals are all seemingly un-reggae. This simultaneously works for, and
against, the band. This said Icelandicness gives Ojba Rasta an intriguing feel of
“otherness,” and there's an odd international flavour to the proceedings as well.
The band effortlessly tackles the musically upbeat numbers, which are
contrasted by the more melancholic ones. In fact, there’s a clear division between
the two camps as the album starts very upbeat, but gradually becomes more
moody, with an uplifting reprieve in "Jónsmessa."
The reserved vocal performances don't add much, and do little in way of
leading the music save for the album's closer, “Í Ljósaskiptum,” which features a
guest performance by Forgotten Lores MC, Birkir B. The lyrics are interesting, but
there is a marked lack of vocal swag and presence—key components of reggae
music.
Ojba Rasta also has yet to attain the swagger to pull their dubbier tracks.
They have their merits, but the "feel" isn't quite there. Maybe it's the studio
environment, but the acid-y qualities of their live performance are left out and
this robs the band of one of its prime elements.
The album 'Ojba Rasta' is a remarkable animal, playful and problematic,
yet easily enjoyable. For an album that is so indecisive, its ability to swoon and
engage is all the more interesting. - BIRKIR FJALAR VIðARSSON
Þórunn Antónía
Star Crossed
2012
facebook.com/ Thorunnantonia
Enjoy with a pair of
leg warmers and some
shoulder pads
Ten years after the release of her debut record, Þórunn Antónía returns
with the ‘80s throwback album ‘Star Crossed.’ Leaving ten years between
album releases cannot be attributed to laziness though as Þórunn has
kept herself busy with a variety of projects, most notably with the highly—albeit
briefly—acclaimed UK-based psyche folk band Fields as well as a brief stint with
Beck.
Considering those relatively left-of-centre accolades, ‘Star Crossed’ may
surprise people. This is POP in the truest sense. Producer David Berndsen’s
obsession with the decade of decadence shines through here in all its unapologetic
and bashful glory. Production is slick and measured, relying almost entirely on
the four-on-the-floor/rhythmic synth bass approach. The result is ten dreamy and
infectious pop tunes that are way more Kylie than I think Þórunn would like to
admit.
“Too Late” and “Out of Touch” are so catchy that the only way of getting one
of them out of your head is to listen to the other. “Electrify My Heartbeat” is a slow-
paced pop ballad which would have made any microphone wielding, spandex-clad
glitter doll proud twenty-five years ago, whilst “Time Difference” references an
attempt to reach a distant loved one on a landline. It’s all well and good, but I can’t
help feeling that ‘Star Crossed’ would have felt more relevant at a time when people
actually used landlines. - ÁRNI ÁRNASON
Brák
Tómhyggja
2012
facebook.com/cenumbdub
Jesus shitting Christ, this
is great
Damn. Daaaaammmnn. This here debut EP from Brák is really quite
fantastic.
It is the work of one Þorsteinn Kári Guðmundsson who resides in
Akureyri. As its title suggests, ‘Tómhyggja’ (“Nihilism”) is a gloomy, mordant little
chap that has been unleashed just in time for winter and the ever-encroaching
dark. The title track introduces the EP with its ominous rise in tension before "Dá"
gets things going properly. It is a fevered and dark post-punk rush into oblivion with
Þorsteinn's anguished and urgent vocals riding atop the music’s frenzied gallop. It is
the highlight of the EP, but the other tracks are close behind.
Great as this EP is, there are things to be improved. The production values are
all over the place, which means the EP doesn't sound as cohesive as it could. But
by Þorsteinn's own admission (in an interview with Halifax Collect), ‘Tómhyggja’
is somewhat of a demo. There is a 12 song album due to be recorded sometime
during the winter and if it realises the potential shown on this release, then it
promises to be pretty damn special. - CLYdE BRAdFORd
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