LackingI love Sigur Ros, and this is a fine album but I cannot help but feeling disappointed. It is indeed another step towards more mainstream audiences, with noise levels toned down and awkward silences ridden of - but this isn't the problem, it's only natural that this would have happened. The problem is that the pain is gone, and without it their music is just some interesting arrangements and atmospheric tunes.
Takk was more commercial that the masterpiece that is Ágaetis Byrjun, but the levels of emotion remained high. Even the last release before this album, the single Hljomalind, which was their first proper pop song structurally, retained some grittiness.
This album, however, loses that almost completely. The first track, Gobbledigook, is unique and raises expectations for what's next, but it is then followed by Inni Mer and Vith Spilum, two tracks that are simply - I know, blasphemy, but - awful! They are like Hoppipolla without the soul, which leave them sounding a bit like Scandinavian Eurovision entries. Things improve from the 6th track onwards, but they never peak.
It is still a good album of course, but a massive disappointed. I've tried to give it time to grow on me, but as time goes back it just sounds more average.
Sigur RosQuite simply the most beautiful, amazing album from Sigur Ros. Much catchier music, but they still haven't lost their allure. Their earlier music is somehow heavier. If this is the first album you listen too , you'll fall in love with Sigur Ros like I have.
Doesn't hit the heights of Takk but still goodI salivated at the prospect of Sigur Ros' latest offering as I couldn't get enough of them after the brilliant last CD/DVD, Heima. Sigur Ros are one of the few truly remarkable bands out there and their music is ethereal, beautiful, poignant and at times completely odd. While there are some wonderful pieces of music here-in, I don't think the album works as well as their previous albums. I'm just not sure Gobbledigook works for me but thereafter and as the album progresses, they claim you. I can understand the slight change in their work and fair play to the band, they are continuing to evolve and certainly are more accessible but I feel that this is slightly detrimental to the ethos of Sigur Ros. We love them because they are so out there on their own, producing music that is peerless. Still one of the best groups ever though!
And on the 7th Day, God Created Sigur RosI will admit now that I'm a Sigur Ros fan, but after buying this album I'm afraid I'm now a huge fan. This is by far their most consistent work by a long shot, each track a work of genius in it's own right. I've listened to the album several times now and find each time I find something different in it. Not different notes or sounds that stand out, something more than that, it conjures up a different emotion, some happy, some sad but always making it more than just a song.
It may not be a hit for everyone, but I promise they'll be track on this album somewhere that even the most ardent rock or pop fan will find something in, and want to listen to again and again. It's worth buying this album for Ára Bátur alone; a pure epic track.
I really think Sigur Ros will stand the test of time now, they've brought themselves into the mainstream and with that to a whole new audience. And with that, they've achieved true greatness.
Everything but the kitchen sink !Those seeking a minimalist musical experience then this is not for you. The band and producer appear to have thrown everything but the kitchen sink into the mix including heavenly choirs, massed orchestral ranks on top of the usual rock instruments and vocals.
I've played the album a number of times now and it's been a slow burner.The usual mix of sombre slow ballads and stirring anthems. Some of these anthems a bit OTT if you ask me and nothing that stands out and grabs you or makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck.
There were stages when that falsetto voice started to grate and I wondered...'are these brilliant or are they a case of the emperors new clothes?'.
At the moment it doesn't feel like a disc that will sit on the top of my pile for months. More an album that will shoved on the shelf with the rest of the 'S's' in a week or two.
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