I've never quite dared to do this before, but people always want suggestions of which local bands to go and see at Iceland Airwaves 2011. And whilst I could, in all truth, wholeheartedly recommend 30 or 40 bands that I know would not ever be a let down, the number I've been asked for by 2 separate people is 5. So with huge regret aimed at the bands not on the list (and I'm leaving Bjork & Gus Gus, you all know they're great right?), deep breath, here goes…
Reykjavik! are a phenomenal live band (not from Reykjavik – I know, those crazy Icelanders). If you situate yourself within 20 yards of the stage, you are quite likely to become part of the show as Boas inevitably gets itchy feet and begins to wander, either through or over the crowd, to involve as many people as possible. But amongst the visual chaos is some seriously powerful rock riffing and song-craft, you'll come away with the tunes lodged in your brain for days afterwards. They're about to release their third full length album, which judging by the previews, looks to show no let-up in quality from their first two and although they aren't officially playing until the Sunday when all the members finally coincide in Reykjavik, they will be well worth waiting for. You will leave sweating, grinning and a fan for life.
I've never seen or heard anything quite like Ghostigital. Let's get the basics out of the way – Yes, that is Einar from the Sugarcubes. Over recent years he has teamed up with electronics genius Curver to create the most original, pounding, crunching electronic music you'll ever uncover. Across Curver's sounds come Einar's words – they're random but somehow also tell you a story. They're funny and they're magical. The live experience will make your teeth shake, and your eyes widen. Like Reykjavik!, Ghostigital are also readying a new album (also their third), and the taster single, Don't Push Me, is one their finest moments to date. Unmissable.
Mugison looks like, and is, a former North Atlantic fisherman. Musically he has been ever-evolving and always crucial. At my very first Iceland Airwaves his show was highlighted to me by the good people at 12 tonar record store as the one, single show I must not miss. I've been addicted ever since. He's moved from a one-man-band armed with acoustic guitar and laptop to a balls-out rocker chosen to tour North America with Queens Of the Stone Age – now he moves between the two, and all points in between, effortlessly. Since the QOTSA tour he's re-recorded his earlier quieter numbers as rock songs. Now, you can never be sure quite what you'll be getting. At Iceland Airwaves last year he was joined on stage by 2 special guests – first a pogoing, spitting metal front man and then a choir of schoolgirls. The songs are always great. Most songs from his album, Mugiboogie, are pretty much adopted by the natives as unofficial national anthems. His most recent output has been in the Icelandic language culminating in a brand new album released this very week. His shows are as strong as his records. Highly recommended.
Olafur Arnalds makes music that is not my natural habitat. I think we can call it Modern Classical, or even Electronic Classical. Whatever, it's spellbinding, it's beautiful and live, it makes my jaw drop. Like many others, I was tempted in by his fascinating "Found Songs" project of a few years ago for which he wrote and recorded one song per day for a week – each was available immediately as a free download. From there I explored his earlier work and since then his newer stuff. I've seen his shows at Iceland Airwaves each of the last two years, and in London twice in that time also. It's really quite odd and refreshing amongst the insanity of Airwaves to watch a show, always packed solid, where the audience is in respectful and then enraptured silence until the final note of each song has faded. Do yourself a favour, take this experience and keep an eye next week here, on his new project, "Living Room Songs", if it's half as original and exciting as Found Songs, it will be a real treat.
The 5th spot would normally have been for the amazing FM Belfast. I can't believe that we won't get news of an Iceland Airwaves 2011 appearance or two from this absolutely brilliant live band. And if and when that happens, then I command you to be there (in your underwear). But since I can't 100% guarantee that they will be there, and with remorse directed at, amongst others, Retro Stefson, Mammut, Prinspolo, Petur Ben, Nora, Sin Fang, Bloodgroup, Sykur, Quadruplos, Endless Dark, Thorir, Sudden Weather Change & Vicky, let's talk about the mighty, mighty HAM. I've only seen them the once, last year, but I'll be doing my best to be there again this year as they take to the Iceland Airwaves stage. HAM (the capitalisation is crucial, and an indication of the noise) are probably Iceland's biggest ever hard (understatement) rock band, they were first active in the late 80s but until last year's reunion for Airwaves had been off the scene for some time. They reformed last year and the show was packed with Icelanders (always a good sign for music and mayhem). Oh, and they're Bjork's favourite Icelandic band so if you plan on doing any Bjork-spotting, that show might be a good place to be! Since last year's reunion, they have recorded and just released a brand new album, which sold out it's initial production in weeks. Let's hope the stores are re-stocked before Airwaves!
So there you go, my five point plan for utter Iceland Airwaves brilliance. And bring your wallets too, all 5 have just released or are just about to release new albums. Happy Days!
1 Comment
thanks for the advice!
here are my five icelandinc-bands-that-are-not-sigur-ros for this (my first) airwaves:
– lockerbie
– of monsters and men
– nóra
– miri
– útidúr