Sigur Rós is known for many things. Its use of a made up gibberish language they call Vonlenska (or Hopelandic), which they employ to fit lyrics to the music because of how they sound more than what they actually mean is one example. They are also highly visual, with the not so distant release of Inni (November 7, 2011), a compilation of sorts and live motion picture of them performing in concert; except, the video is highly stylized and utilizes alternative visual film techniques, such as filters and screens over top the existing footage. They also released a couple earlier compilations. Their first, Hvarf/Heim (2007) is a double CD of unreleased studio recordings and acoustic versions of songs performed in the film Heima. Second, In A Frozen Sea: A Year With Sigur Rós (2008), is basically a box set of previous albums. And, after signing with EMI subsidiary Parlophone, We Play Endlessly, was released for free as a cover mount to The Independent magazine on January 31, 2009, and is a very solid collection of fine songs and probably my favorite Sigur Rós album. There have been a number of smaller EPs along the way, too. You can learn more about Sigur Rós's discography here if you would like.
The most interesting aspect of Valtari is how each song is a very simple melody, or chord progression, repetitive and slow moving, building as the song moves forward; but, there is something so majestic, ingenious and gorgeous in its result. Ethereal is an understatement, while heavenly might be more appropriate, especially on Valtari with the inclusion of full harmonies of "ooh" from a chorus on some songs. There are a lot of glitchy kinds of sounds too, recorded and manipulated trinkets of Jónsi's voice, looped to sound almost like a music box (there is even something that sounds like a music box ironically). Guitars are basically non-existent (some bass I think); more so piano, strings and synths, or guitars made to sound very soft and metallic--like a string bass bow pulled over a vibraphone or marimba.
Taking a close look at each song:
(1) "Ég Anda" ("I Breathe") - Starts off with chorus on "ooh" and strings gently in the background. Gradually it grows as Jónsi enters and then fades out again, with some interesting experimental sounds at the end that sound like an Amp turned up too loud.
(2) "Ekki Múkk" ("Not A Sound") - A very subtle three note pattern emerges amidst tremolo strings and a simple sung melody. This song kind of ebbs and flows, with counter harmony in the background vocals and certain moments of climax, not necessarily jubilation like it is bursting forth, but the purest form of joy perhaps that just wells up and then releases into relaxation. Piano chords slowly fade out with repetition.
(3) "Varúð" ("Caution") - Honky Tonk piano starts, not my favorite (out of tune!), but the swirling strings and vocals quickly become the focal point. This has a slightly faster tempo (and I mean slightly), with an ascending three note step-wise pattern that is repeated in an "ooh" vowel sound as its chorus. And, eventually it grows to be emense with drums pounding and full scale orchestral entourage.
(4) "Rembihnútur" ("Tightly Knotted") - This song sounds dark at the beginning and slightly off kilter, like it is tied up in knots and is being unraveled throughout. This one grows to be quite loud too.
(5) "Dauðalogn" ("Dead Calm") - This might be my favorite track, with the chorus at the beginning sounding like it is in a cathedral or high up in the hills, or coming down with a light from the heavens or something. It is just plain beautiful. You could float in the middle or a serene mountain lake or watch the reflection of nature in the unbroken surface of a lake to this music.
(6) "Varðeldur" ("Campfire") - This is an extension of "Dauðalogn" and is likewise as beautiful. The harmonics in the strings, simple piano and chords could go on forever and I would be content to just listen. The twinkling loops of vocals sound like sparks, and the music box sounding instrument, perhaps Celeste, is fantastic. Love it!
(7) "Valtari" ("Roller") - I do not exactly know what "Roller" implies in its title, maybe it was something they used in the sound production to create that interesting metallic or electronic timbre that glitches in and out. The latter portion of the song has sort of a bell or chime like instrument, probably electronic, but it is pure and crystalline (not to borrow from Björk) and mysterious.
(8) "Fjögur píanó" (Four Pianos) - As it implies, there are four pianos used in this one, and morphs into strings and a calm very slowly transforming coda. It ends with a major chord, in so many forms, in the strings using harmonics.
There are two pre-order only tracks that I have not heard, "Logn" ("Calm") and "Kvistur" ("Branch"), which is a b-side to their special vinyl release of "Ekki Múkk".
So, first, to see what kind of visual art Sigur Rós created for this album, see this YouTube video of "Ekki Múkk" here. It basically looks like the cover art, and they call it moving art. The next video is supposed to debut June 4th, according to their website here. Then, definitely, before it expires, listen to the full stream of Valtari on NPR: First Listen here (EDIT: not available anymore, go to The Guardian's exclusive online stream here instead). The only track I am able to link over under 'Monthly Sample Tracks' at the time being is "Ekki Múkk". Regardless, enjoy!
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