Though the title of the latest release from Sigur Rós may seem like a mere jumble of letters (or for that matter, a bunch of gobbledigook), it translates into English as "With a buzz in our ears we play endlessly." One could only hope that this Icelandic group does play endlessly, producing more beautiful music for all eternity. Once again, Sigur Rós deliver what they are most well-known for: beautiful, soaring, ambient music. On this Sigur Rós paints a frosty landscape of untold mystery and wonder which is characteristic of their earlier work. However, this does not mean that the group's sound has gone stale. In fact, it is quite the opposite as there are many delightful surprises to be found. The album kicks off at a rapid pace to the sound of hand claps, call-and-answer guitars, and la-la-la's with Gobbledigook, a quick and intensely fun number that still manages to show off their harmonizing talents at a tempo befitting a pop song. The second track, Inní mér syngur vitleysingur opens like a cheerful children's parade, bouncing forward at a joyful pace. Midway through the album lies perhaps the album's best song, Ara Bátur, which really showcases singer Jónsi Birgisson's vocal talents. The song starts with just piano and vocals but eventually peaks in a heavenly, epic climax with the aid of 67 piece orchestra and a children's choir. The final surprise comes at the end of the album with All Alright, the first Sigur Rós song to be sung in English. Overall, the album is beautiful, triumphant, sorrowful, joyful, empty, full, fast, slow, wonderful, beyond description. Listen to it.
Sigur Rós website download page:
Myspace page (featuring helpful audio clips of pronunciatons):
Samples available on last.fm:
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