Awe Inspiring (Agaetis Byrjun - Sigur Ros)

Member Name: Sephiroth

Product:	Agaetis Byrjun - Sigur Ros
Date:	19/03/01 (108 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful, Engaging and very emotional

Disadvantages: the fact that the live version of 'Hafsol' isn't on it!!

Radiohead are wonderful people. Sigur Ros supported Thom Yorke and his merry band of musical genius' last year, and in doing so, raised Sigur Ros' profile from weird Icelandic oddballs to people that need to be heard. And so, off i went to buy 'Agaetis Byrjun' and right from the start, I was engrossed. But whatever you do, don't try and understand the lyrics! even the best Icelandic translator couldn't do justice to the beauty of the vocals on this album.

'Intro' starts the album off nicely with its backwards guitars and drums, but it still manages to sound great, with some beautiful harmonies too.

'Svefn-G-Englar' is a 10 minute oddysey through organ- induced heaven, with its gentle beat and lead singer Jonsi's gorgeous, almost childlike vocals, it eases you into the wonder that is Sigur Ros.

'Staralfur' is the most beautiful 6 minutes you're ever likely to spend with a piece of music, with its awe inspiring string section and it's simple brilliance. A classic in every sense of the word.

'Flugufrelsarinn' is a gem of a song, featuring an organ riff so simple, yet so moving. It also highlights Jonssi's talents as a singer and includes some breathtaking guitar playing (it is a guitar, trust me. He plays it with a cello bow) and some very dramatic choir-esque sounds too.

'Ny Batteri' comes next with its muted trumpets and brass band style beginning, it quickly mellows with a fabulous bassline and a gorgeous drum beat, which eventually kicks into a hugh, boombastic affair with some absolutely huge drums and a vast soundscape.

'Hjartao Hamast' is probably the weakest song on the album, yet not without it's charms. It has some very odd vocal styles in it, but also has some great organ playing and a very accomplished sounding string section too.

'Viorar Vel Til Loftarasa' is probably one of my favourite trac
ks on here, as it features some of the most heart-achingly gorgeous piano playing and gorgeous vocals too. The highlight of this song has to be about 3 minutes from the end, as Jonsi's guitar really lets rip and the drums match it too, sounding very loud indeed.

'Olsen Olsen' is the finest hangover tune ever made, with its simple, yet sultry bassline and very airy guitar sounds, the song is a personal favourite too. Again, this song changes dramatically towards the end too, as a full on orchestra emerge from the background to lift the song to a new height.

'Agaetis Byrjun' is a strange little song, fusing a great guitar riff with an even better piano riff, it really sets the tone for the album. It's echo-ed drums also add to its mystique.

The final track, 'Avalon' is very strange indeed. It's basically just a big long noise from an organ i think, but it still fits the album, and ends it well.

One thing to remember about Sigur Ros and this extrodinary piece of music is, that the tracks are very mellow, chilled and laid back, so if you're looking to be dancing on the tables, don't buy this album. Well, for that reason anyway. The unpredictability of this record is one of it's high points also, never knowing what is going to come next- trumpets?, celtic whistles?, cellos?, guitars?.

The lethargy of this album is utilised very well too, whereas if another band tried to re- create this slow burning beauty, they would sound terrible. Full marks to Sigur Ros, and to their home land of Iceland, who keeps on giving us fresh, exciting talent.

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