Concert Preview: Sigur Rós to Take on Agganis 3/26

Sigur Ros kicks off 2013 North American tour | Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons via Shimelle Laine
Sigur Ros kicks off 2013 North American tour | Photo courtesy Wikimedia Commons via Shimelle Laine

Since 1994, Icelandic post-rock group Sigur Rós has been creating ambient soundscapes, experimenting with a dreamlike, otherworldly sound. Sigur Rós, whose name is a play on words inspired by frontman Jonsi Birgisson’s sister, has recorded six studio albums. The band has an international fanbase and has created a unique sound, characterized by a culmination of a bowed guitar, Jonsi’s falsetto vocals and use of an entire spectrum of studio sounds to create cohesive, ethereal melodies.

Throughout the years, Sigur Rós has experimented with not only the creation of sound sound, but also the concept of the listening experience. On 2002’s album titled ( ), each track was untitled, and remained as such until the band later released track titles online. The songs on ( ) are in Hopelandic — a language based loosely in Icelandic. Supposedly, this was done in hopes of listeners experiencing the album for themselves without being influenced by language.

The band’s most recent album, Valtari, was relased in early 2012 and is the first album from Sigur Rós in four years. Though it could perhaps be brushed off as very “typical Sigur Rós,” there is no denying the beauty in the album’s ethereal moodiness. Rather than weighing the album against the band’s past work, it is perhaps better to recognize the diversity within each track. Through songs such as, “Ekki Mukk,” and “Varuo,” listeners are given a glimpse into the complexity of sound and how each track is a different experience entirely. This is what makes Valtari such an important and special album for the band. As well as the perfect record to launch a tour with.

This year, Sigur Rós goes on a world tour, beginning with a stint in North America and including a stop at Boston’s Agganis Arena on 3/26. This tour, for which detailed information can be found here, is significant for the band for several reasons. It includes some of the biggest venues to date for Sigur Rós, including shows at Coachella and Sasquatch! festivals, as well as a tour-ending show at Madison Square Garden in November. It will also incorporate some of the band’s new sounds and production techniques.

Valtari is Sigur Ros' sixth studio album | Album art courtesy of sigur-ros.co.uk
Valtari is Sigur Ros’ sixth studio album | Album art courtesy of sigur-ros.co.uk

At the Icelandic Airwaves Festival, the band previewed the new track “Brennisteinn,” which translates to brimstone. The performance, which can be viewed here, is best described as experimental. It combined Sigur Rós’ signature dreamy approach to music with a dark, rumbling bass and almost techno vibe. By mixing the old romantic vibe with a new, grittier sound, Sigur Rós proved its potential for more than just a light, swaying, candlelit experience. Needless to say, it will be interesting to see what is in store for this tour as well as what Sigur Rós has to offer in the future.

Ticket information for the Boston show can be found here.

About Charlotte Holley

Charlotte hails from Portland, OR and Chicago, IL. She is a Journalism major, minoring in Women, Gender & Sexuality studies. She is a passionate feminist, spoken word poet, and can do a startlingly convincing baby cry.

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