Feature: Iceland's new heroes
It is not a secret that Reykjavík, a town of 100,000 inhabitants, has a thriving music scene and is home to hundreds of local bands. Unannounced and impromptu gigs in small bars across the city centre are not an uncommon phenomenon, in a place where everybody knows everybody. It's a Trap! flew to Iceland recently and, apart from intensive gig-going, it handpicked a selection of the best new releases by Iceland's new music representatives.
FM Belfast - How to make friends (World Champion Records)
If Scissor Sisters were residing in 101 (Reykjavík's city centre) instead of New York and had an 80's rather than a 70's twist, they would sound close to FM Belfast. If you are on a mission to fill the dancefloor, this packed with great electro-pop tunes album won't disappoint you.
LINK: http://www.fmbelfast.com/
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/fmbelfast
Sudden Weather Change - Stop! Handgrenade in the name of crib death 'nderstand? (Kimi Records)
This bunch of young Icelanders play straightforward and honest alternative rock. Their references hail from the 90's US-alternative scene and the likes of Sonic Youth and Pavement. Their music might lack some originality, but this doesn't mean that it doesn't deserve your unspoiled attention.
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/suddenweatherchange
Rökkurró - Það kólnar í kvöld... (12 Tónar)
There is a deep melancholy to this album. Hildur Stefánsdóttir's voice is charismatic and fragile and Rökkurró's melodies haunting and well-developed. "Það kólnar í kvöld..." (Icelandic for "It's getting colder tonight") is a bit raw in some production/arrangement aspects but nonetheless it is great debut from a band that has got lots to offer. I am massively looking forward to the follow-up.
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/rokkurro
Reykjavík! - The blood (Kimi Records)
After having attended a smashing live-set by these guys, the last thing I can do is to be objective. I feel compelled to praise this album. In you face, intense punk rock, combined with ridiculously catchy melodic lines and raw guitar power. There's a reason why Reykjavík! are one of the frontrunners of the new Icelandic music scene and "The blood" is the proof for this. Ones to watch!
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/reykjaviktheband
Agent Fresco - Lightbulb universe (Kimi Records)
With a voice resembling in its low passages Thom Yorke and a drummer trying to catch up with Mike Portnoy's complex beats, Agent Fresco make up a very interesting offering. Although math rock is not for all times of the day, if you do happen to be in the mood, Agent Fresco will do the trick really well.
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/agentfresco
Sing Fang Bous - Clangour (Kimi Records)
Sing Fang Bous is the solo project of Sindri Már Sigfússon from folk-pop outfit Seabear. This time around Sindri introduces more electronic and experimental elements, without excluding the folksy ones. The outcome is an inspired album full of beautiful soundscapes and tender melodies.
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/sinfangbous
All CDs can be purchased from:
12 Tónar
Kimi Records
Smekkleysa
Words and picture by Vasilis Panagiotopoulos