Sigur Rós - ‘Takk…’

Nevertheless, '( )' - which also bore no song titles, the better to focus attention on the music - was very well received on its release in October 2002, and stands today as a brave testament to how far a bunch of independent people can push an achingly anti-commercial idea if they set their minds to it. '( )" is a mordant and powerful piece of work, which, like its predecessor, has sold getting on for 600,000 records.

Throughout this time, the band's reputation as a live act continued to grow, with all manner of people slowly drawn to their deliberate lack of meaning or agenda. If music is removed from a lyrical context then its emotional resonance can be freely interpreted by the listener, however they wish. This means Sigur Rós can, and do, mean nothing and everything. This could be called taking the long way round.

It was in this context that Sigur Rós approached the recording of the album now known as 'Takk…'. And a complete re-think was on the cards. So, the touring bit the dust in the summer of 2003, with the band bowing out after triumphant shows at Glastonbury and Roskilde, and the emphasis was placed on, well, placing no emphasis.

Side projects were gobbled up (since releasing '( )' Sigur Ros have, as a group or individually, been involved in no fewer than 13 extra-curricular activities, including writing music for the Merce Cunningham Dance Company, as well as the Danish Royal ballet; composing and performing the 70-minute orchestral work 'Odin's Raven Magic'; scoring a couple of independent films; pursuing solo projects; working with and producing fellow Icelandic artists; and sometimes just arsing about), and time out taken to recharge batteries. If Sigur Rós were going to go beyond the Icelandic band norm of imploding three albums in, then they might as well make the next record worth the wait.

I think it's safe to say with 'Takk…': mission accomplished.page << 1 2 3 4 5 6 >>