Sigur Ros

Shows Softer Side of Music

Jessica Safavimehr, staff writers

Sigur Ros are truly one of a kind. There is no better evidence than their newest release “Takk,” a venture into unknown musical territories.

“Takk” is promising to be a bit of a change from the normal ambient sounds of Sigur Ros, adding a touch of pop with a slightly harsh tone.

There is no concept to “Takk.” The music and lyrics simply flow together to form a beautiful masterpiece. This is music, simple and pure music, with nothing to filter out the raw emotion the musicians feel. Sigur Ros is the type of band that allows their audience to get lost in the music. In this album, Sigur Ros finally integrates their Icelandic heritage with lyrics sung in their native language rather than in their made-up Hopelandic.

The reason this album is significant is because it incorporates the idea that music and dance don’t necessarily have to coincide, and that inspiration is everywhere and nowhere. With these ideas in place, Sigur Ros implemented many different instruments to produce an intriguing mix of melodies and harmonies. Using a music box, a celesta, various bell sounds, and a plethora of strings and horns, Sigur Ros crosses over into a completely different realm.

Having a track list like no other, Sigur Ros are sure to amaze even the most skeptic listener. “Takk” is a sort of soft introduction to a very different album. Following “Takk ” is “Glosoli,” a track which includes Jonsis Birgission’s voice singing softly in Icelandic. “ Hippipolla” can almost be deemed a sort of indie pop song.

“Meo Blondnasir” is a brieff interlude separating “Se lest” and “Saeglopur.” “Se lest” is one of the turning points of the album featuring waltzing horns and melodic piano sounds. The first U.S. single to be released is “Saeglopur.”

Another mystical song on the album is “Milano.” One point in this song all sounds drop except a piano and Jonsis’ voice. “Gong,” another song featured on “Takk,” is a definite progression for the band, a much heavier song thanks to the amazing drum work of Orri.

“ Heysatan” is a quiet finale to an amazing album. Throughout this album, Sigur Ros finds innovative turns to take without disrupting the flow of their beautifully orchestrated performance.

This is a perfect album to listen to while driving with the windows down on a cool fall afternoon. Sigur Ros has truly out down themselves once again and proven how much a band’s music can progress in only 20 months.

I recommend this album to anyone that appreciate’s the beauty of wonderfully crafted music.