Reykjavík Grapevine - 18.05.2018, Qupperneq 31

ARTIST PLAYLIST
Sparkles, Ice Dances
and Colourful Sunsets
With Kristján Eldjárn
The SYKUR producer's recent Icelandic faves
Words: Kristján Eldjárn with John Rogers
Photo: Magnús Andersen
Kristján Eldjárn rose to
prominence as one of the
producers behind SYKUR, one
of Iceland’s most explosive
electronic pop party bands,
whose new single “Loving None”
was recently released. He also
performs solo as KRELD, including
the release of a brilliant and
compulsive first single, “Way
Low,” with an appearance from
JFDR as a guest vocalist. In his
artist playlist, he shares his
favourite recent songs from the
Icelandic music scene.
Bagdad brothers -
Malar í kassanum
Although sadly not on Spotify
(yet?) there’s a great video on
youtube. It’s soft, baby-making
pop from a weird-ass Icelandic
reality. The opening lines (You
want french fries, I want to go
home with you) grab you immedi-
ately, and it only gets better from
there.
aYia - Sparkle
aYia are one of the most exciting
bands currently active in Iceland.
With their super intricate produc-
tions and Ásta Fanney’s dreamy
vocals, “Sparkle” is the latest in a
series of sublime singles they’ve
released. I’m ready for that LP now,
if you would, please.
Sin Fang, Sóley, Örvar
Smárason - Random Haiku
Generator
A great pop song from three
great artists. It’s super chill
melancholia, perfect for listening
to while driving down a forested
mountain during a colourful
sunset.
Andy Svarthol - Tímafrekja
I loved Andy Svarthol’s first single,
“Írena Sírena,” and this one is more
of the same, but perhaps a little bit
more nuanced. A part of it may be
the fact that I miss the rokk.is era
in Icelandic music, and Andy Svar-
thol reminds me of that, for some
reason. There’s a very charming
homebrew vibe going on here.
Sóley - Úa
Sóley’s second appearance on this
list. The chord progression in the
verse is unconventional, almost jar-
ring, but stunningly pretty. There is
a specific sense of melancholy in
the verse that reminds me of Danny
Elfman’s “Ice Dance” from the Ed-
ward Scissorhands soundtrack.
JFDR - White Ferrari
A really pretty single from one of
my favourite Icelandic artists. White
Ferrari is more produced than her
last album, losing some of the in-
die-ness, but gaining new kinds of
subtleties instead.
Sunna - Amma
(SYKUR remix)
Just to be a little self-serving.
Us SYKUR kids recently reworked
Sunna’s (previously of Bloodgroup)
latest single, “Amma,” and I really
enjoyed working on it. The original
song is a haunting acapella, which
we kind of inundated with synths
and gave it a pretty chill vibe.
Music
Grab a bite at Dunkin’ Donuts. We’re open every day.
BAGELS FROM 599 ISK
Kringlan Hagasmári 9 Fitjar KEF Airport
“It’s soft,
baby-making
pop from a
weird-ass
Icelandic
reality.”
31The Reykjavík Grapevine
Issue 08 — 2018
Kristján, listening to baby-making pop
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