Sigur Rós - Hoppípolla

Singer Jon Thor Birgisson adopts a slightly lower register than his usual full-on falsetto, weaving an open and childlike sense of hope through multi-layers of carefully constructed vocals, while he sings (in Icelandic) about nosebleeds and jumping into puddles. As the song expands to a grand and dizzying climax, brass begins to fanfare and an orchestra swells and flourishes, while all about tinkly things twinkle brightly.

The Wire magazine recently derisively referred to 'Takk…' as "the indie last night of the proms". 'Hoppípolla' is what they were talking about, but from where we're sitting that seems like an awesome and overwhelming thing. Remember avant-garde is French for bullshit. 'Hoppípolla' is spectacular, and, according to the heads who run the band's fansite, "the best thing they've ever done" - and, believe me, these people know a thing or two about that.

'Með Blóðnasir', one of the additional tracks here, is also featured on 'Takk…'. It sits beautifully on the LP as the tail end of 'Hoppípolla' and so works perfectly as part of this release. Originally recorded on the band's 1998 debut album 'Von', 'Hafssól has taken on near mythic significance with the band's fans thanks to a magical live rendition that bears scant relation to the experimental original.

Hoppípolla / Með Blóðnasir / Hafssól is re-released by EMI Records on May 1st.page << 1 2 >>