MEÐ SUÐ Í EYRUM VIÐ SPILUM ENDALAUST

With a ringing in the ears we play tirelessly is the title of the fifth album of Icelandic Sigur Ros. It's easier to pronounce than með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust, is it? Having used the invented language (the Vonlenska) in some of their previous opus, they decided to return to the Icelandic singing. Even being unknown languages to us, this hasn't prevented to appreciate the Sigur Ros albums, at least, for those most committed to this musical genre that is Post-Rock.

Recorded at various locations (London, New York, Reykjavik and Havana) by Flood, Sigur Ros proposes the most cheerful and pop sounding album ever. While the icy plains of the Far North are still present, but the thaw has begun for the greatest happiness of those who had the impression the group started to go round in circles. Listen to the first 2 pieces, with a beautifully dynamic Við Spilum Endalaust.

Festival plunges into solemnity with the sensation that the singing has been recorded in a church. Drums and bass impart a heady repetitive pace, the piece growing in scale with violins ever more present, the singing resumes, leading to a magnificent result and a Dantean ending. How many present bands can be really at the height of their ambition? Sigur Ros is undoubtedly among the leaders.

The album continues, although winter and torpor seem to have recovered their rights, but with still more dynamic moments so as not to tire the listener. Also note the use of a children choir and a symphony orchestra in Ara Batur and a last piece sung in English to calmly close this hour of music.

The weird cover (naked people crossing a highway) sums up the album: a free, natural and emotional music.