Editor at Under the Radar magazine. Contributor to MTV Iggy, eMusic, Nylon, Filter, Relevant, Paste, and more. Not Hip. Likes catsup and pie. Great. Now we have nothing left to discuss on the second date.
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Catching Elephant is a theme by Andy Taylor
Ethereal. The word haunts nearly every description of Sindri Már Sigfússon’s work as Sing Fang. And with good reason. Over his previous two albums (the first released when he was still sporting the jumbled name Sin Fang Bous), the Icelandic musician has explored music at its most delicate, piecing together lush layers of folk, pop and orchestral instrumentation. Recording every part in his Reykjavik studio, Sigfússon created an air of otherworldly intimacy—and certainly did his part to contribute to the idealized vision of Iceland that so many music fans carry with them.
No less beautiful than its predecessors, there’s a notable shift in tone to the newest Sin Fang offering, Flowers. Alongside producer Alex Somers (Sigur Rós, Jónsi, Pascal Pinon), Sigfússon has created an album that splits the difference between forest and the city; its airy orchestration rounded out with chants, shiny pop choruses and a touch of down and dirty garage rock. The result is a mature, polished homage to teenage confusion that never looses its sense of fun.
We chatted with Sigfússon about the process of getting in touch with his inner teen, the crooked path he took to becoming a musician, and why he’ll always see the glass as half full. Sin Fang’s new album Flowers is out February 19 via Morr Music. (via Sin Fang is All Grown Up | MTV IGGY)
Top tens for 2010: It's a Trap! Contributors | ITSATRAP
Jónsi: Go — Not just my top Scandinavian album, but my top album of the year. Period. There’s so much emotion in this one that the first time I heard it (a lo-bit stream over crappy computer speakers) I cried. The fact I also happen to be a noted wimp should in no way stop you from checking this out. Club 8: The people’s record — Yet another in a long string of reasons why Johan Angergård (Club 8/Legends/Pallers/Acid House Kings) should continue on his quest for world domination. (Or failing that, musical domination.) So many bands lose their way after so many albums — their attempts to infuse their sound with new elements as convincing as a child’s Halloween “scary” costume. And then there’s Club 8 — who has mixed afro/Cuban beats in with their sweet pop, and created a delicious hybrid beast…all without sacrificing an iota of their identity along the way. Jens Lekman: Sure he didn’t put an album out this year, but he played a one-off gig in Los Angeles that had everyone swooning. One of the best performers working today. Full stop. Ólafur Arnalds: …And they have escaped the weight of darkness — Second in emotional resonance only to Go. It can be difficult to write about experimental instrumentals without sounding foolish — so at the risk of sounding increasingly stupid, this album will recalibrate your perception of beauty. The Radio Dept.: Clinging to a scheme — It’s about time! Back and better than ever. Welcome. Casiokids: Topp stemning på lokal bar — Are these “kids” playing near you? (Given their touring schedule it’s a real possibility.) Go! Go! Go! Are you currently at a Casiokids concert? Dance! Dance! Dance! Seabear: We built a fire — Another gloriously dreamy album from the Icelandic collective. This is nostalgic chamber pop ready to soundtrack new memories. Kaskas: In the meanwhile — Finland’s Yo La Tengo blending influences and styles with grace. A side-project that — if the world is just and good — will become a full-time gig. Söder tea: If this were music, it would be a perfect ten. I’m starting to feel like a junkie asking my friends in Sweden to hook me up. No I can’t quit any time I want, and of course, I don’t have a problem. Sambassadeur: European — Classic pop with an orchestral flair. Why these guys haven’t caught on stateside is one of life’s great mysteries. (Then again, I’m from the country that just nominated Justin Bieberfor a Grammy, so what do I know?)Laura Studarus
:.. Seabear: We Built an Album | Under The Radar ..:
The music of Icelandic collective Seabear does nothing to counter the common misconception that all the country does is pump out ethereal harmonies with otherworldly grace. The Jónsi-recommended band has gathered a string of positive reactions from fans and press alike for charming recent release, We Built a Fire, their first since bandleader Sindri Már Sigfússon expanded the project from a solo affair to official full band. Under the Radar caught up with bandleader Sigfússon via email, who told us about his forays into visual art, a childhood filled with Michael Jackson, and the (potential) calming effects the new album might have on misbehaving kids.
