The iTunes Festival continued last
night in Camden’s Roundhouse, with Icelandic giants Sigur Rós
taking to the stage. The trio were accompanied by violinists,
percussionists and a brass section to help towards creating the
unique sound that Sigur Rós provide with their music.
The band opened with Yfirborð,
a calming but fast paced track taken from their latest LP “Kveikur”
and followed it up with the much heavier “Brennistein”, the lead
single from the band’s eighth offering. After
showcasing some of the new stuff, the band delved into their
archives, playing fan favourites “Festival” followed up by
“Hoppípolla”. The crowd clearly lapping up the positive vibes
bursting from two of Sigur’s most refreshing songs.
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| © Getty Images / Matt Kent / Redferns |
“Svefn-g-Englar” was received well
and was followed up with “Glósóli” that seemed to be off-beat
at times with the marching sounds but it was soon forgotten about
when the song climaxed and exploded to life for the final two minutes
of the track. The show took a heavier turn from there
on out with “Vaka” taking the audience through the darker side of
Sigur Rós. Only one track from the band’s
“Valtari” album made an appearance. That was the spellbinding
“Varúð”,
similar to “Glósóli” began eerily as Jónsi sang at his piano
but soon the song began to rise and the tension in the song reached
its tipping point as the song ended in classic Sigur Rós fashion.
The
performance ended with “Popplagið”, also the final song on the
“Untitled” album. A song that feels like you’re on an adventure
when listening was the perfect way to end a set that took us on a
ride through the new, the old and the best of Sigur Rós.
Written by - Jack Squibb
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Stream / Sigur Rós - Kveikur
Stream / Sigur Rós - Kveikur