Sigur Ros have returned with their fourth LP record “Takk,” and have created another mind-blowlingly unique disc, this time with a distinctly different sound in place. The new disc is allegedly the first full disc the band has recorded in genuine Icelandic, as opposed to the language they forged themselves and dubbed “Hopelandic” in honor of the first song it was used with on the album “Von.” The difference is subtle, yet oddly detectable even to Icelandic virgin ears. “Takk” represents a shift for Sigur Ros as the tracks steer into new, more experimental directions that are similar enough for the seasoned fan to love, and different enough for new and old fans alike to appreciate the amazingly groundbreaking sound they have created.
After the introductory track, the disc starts off with “Glosoli,” which, while reminiscent of past tracks, begins to reveal the new sound on the album. The tracks starts off with the strings and ambient sounds the band is known for, and then explodes into discordant yet somehow harmonious sounds halfway through, bringing the track to a louder place than most Sigur Ros tracks make it.
“Hoppipolla” follows up with what defines the changes on this disc that bring the sound to a new dimension. The presence of the high piano chords and vocal harmonizing make this a significantly more up-tempo, and arguably even happier, Sigur Ros song than we have heard in the past. This added dimension of almost child-like sound shifts the chill ambient sound into a dimension of ethereal that hasn’t been reached before.
After the “Hoppipolla” sequel track “Med Blodnasir,” the disc shifts gears again for “Se Lest.” While the vocals are distinctly Sigur Ros with their soothing melodies, the musical track again takes on a piano-inspired “innocent” quality that creates an ambient carnival of sounds. The track develops into a horn and brass dominated sound, complete with a brief ride through the calliope music of a circus.
“Saeglopur,” one of the best tracks on the disc, brings us closer back to reality with a louder vocal track and amazing piano introduction, developing into a frenzied cacophony, establishing a new, beautiful sound the likes of which Sigur Ros fans have not heard thus far. This sound continues to develop on the balance of the disc with the equally gorgeous “Milano,” and the distinctly new, heavier, and more up-tempo rock inspired “Gong” and its sequel track “Andvari.” The final two tracks, “Svo Hljott” and the closing “Heysatan” both bring the disc back to a sound more reminiscent of the ambient, classic Sigur Ros tracks, while maintaining the edge created with this disc.
Whereas Sigur Ros tracks in the past may have taken any ready listener on an ambient swim through waves of muted blue sounds, this disc offers up some new musical elements which bring listeners to an ethereal place that more closely resembles a carousel. With tracks taking listeners to the classical ambient place Sigur Ros has been so many times before (but never gets repetitive or monotonous), to the more discordant and louder “rock” sounds, and finally through the child-like, up-tempo ambience the new disc is a ride that any Sigur Ros fan, any fan of music, or anyone with an ear can truly find something to lose themselves in. |