Sigur Ros - Victory Rose?

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Sigur Ros - Victory Rose?

June 26th 2006 03:08

From an external point of view, it seems that everyone in Northern Europe is bored. This generally generates one of two things - heavy metal bands of the likes of Lordi, and computer hackers. However, every now and again, you get a truly unique a band, one that defies all genres and simply creates music for the sake of music. Music that will draw in a listener, music that will calm them and cause them to listen to really listen to the music, music that is complex and yet so damn simple. Combine that with Icelandic vocals, and guitar played with a violin bow, and you having Victory Rose, better known as Sigur Ros.

Their songs, in reality, are pure genius. Heavy on the strings, the bass, and a variety of different instruments depending on the feel of the song, Sigur Ros strive to secure their artistic integrity in a world heavy on over-production. Their songs don't rely on lyrical depth for meaning (or if they do, it goes unnoticed by so many), but rather in the instrumentation, the timbre and the vocals themselves, a falsetto that can only be rivaled by the likes of Freddy Mercury or Matthew Bellamy, and even then I'm not so sure. While their 1999 album, "Agaetis Byrjun," received some foreign acclaim, any who know Sigur Ros, know them best for their 2005 album, "Takk," which translates to "Thanks."

From the fading strings of the Intro, to the soft trumpet-accompanied ballad-like song Heysatan (really not sure if thats English or Icelandic for something), "Takk" plays on the emotions of the listener in so many ways. The second track, Glosoli begins with a simple bassline, motioning the listener to enter into the world Sigur Ros has created with music at its foundations. The song remains simple through out, with a crescendo of marching drums towards the climax of the piece, but for the most part the song is simplistic and beautiful.

Though this is nothing compared to their true masterpiece, Hoppipolla and at third track, listeners don't have to wait long to hear it. With an ambient piano riff, elegent harmonies and their trademark use of reverse sounds, the song is truly a master to behold. I first heard the song as a live cover from We Are Scientists and really really didn't like it. But as soon as I heard the true version, I realised that Sigur Ros simply can't be done by anyone other than Sigur Ros. Not that its complicated - most of their songs consist of a motif, whether piano or otherwise, with a bass progression and random wierdness overlayed. But still, they bring magic to it that no one else can.

And they seem to bring their genius to all aspects. From their music to their music videos, there is simply an essence of emotional intelligence that appeals to many. Their film clips revolve around the idea of innocence, which fits to their music so well. From the film clip for Untitled #1(Vaka) (from 2002's "()"), which explores the idea of innocence ruined by nuclear weapons, to Glosoli, simply about Icelandic children, and even to Hoppipolla. about the elderly reliving their youth. This innocence is a theme that carries too well with their songs to be ignored and Sigur Ros take advantage of that.

Sigur Ros combine emotional intelligence, with perfect instrumentation, and that pure Icelandic vibe that make them unique, to create a truly beautiful band that will never leave a listener untouched. They're definitely not loved by all, but those who do are usually at a loss as to why. Their name might not make much sense but damn they're good.

Sigur Ros - Victory Rose?

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