This might be the perfect timing for Sigur Ros to embark upon new territory. After four records of mastering and encapsulating the mood and sparkle and defining the “Icelandic sound,” one was made to wonder where they could go from here. Well, by throwing everyone a curve ball in releasing Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust (translated as “With a Buzz in Our Ears, We Play Endlessly”) the band focuses now on a more pop orientated song craft while relying less on creating the hypnotic soundscapes that we have all grown to love.
That being said, the old them are still alive in songs like‚ “All Alright‚” which features vocalist/guitarist Jonsi Birgisson’s first foray into English crooning, “Go an Daginn‚” which follows their tried and true hypnotic lush formula, and “Festival‚” where the falsetto sweeps and soars above and beyond the heights accomplished on their 2002 classic ( ), before building to a chaotic climax of Takk proportions.
But, its in the album’s opener “Gobbledigook” with its fierce repetitive drums and percussion and off time rhythm that throws the listener out of kilter and warns him or her of what is to come. And what follows is a diverse and melodic collection of the cryptic quartet’s new adventures in hi-fi. How much of this new sound and direction is attributed to British producer Flood (U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode)? We’ll never know, but certainly they come out of it no worse for the wear. Whether this album is an attempt to hit a more mainstream market or to simply gain new ground‚ Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust is certainly their golden ticket that blazes a trail through the void with its highly infectious melody and driving rhythm.
The variety of songwriting and instrumentation makes every listen an expression of trust. Trust in the fact that whatever this band touches seems to turn to gold and at the same time making you wish that they do play endlessly.
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