review by: Roberto Martinelli

A lot of what makes Sigur Rós such a massive success is how it's like a simple, stripped down version of what Godspeed You Black Emperor! does, getting straight to the core of the most heart-rending and cathartic, tear inducing walls of melody and energy and maintaining it for 71 minutes. But that's selling this band short, for Sigur Rós isn't some Godspeed wannabe. Rather, it takes the best of that group and throws in luscious, ambient walls of beautiful, emotive noise that groups like Stars of the Lid do so well, and adds vocals and some percussion here and there.

Be warned that although I think they're great, many may find the vocals irritating. The sound of the singer's voice can often be quite cat-like, sort of like the highest Billy Corgan of the Pumpkins would go, but sustained and with a deep sense of purity to them rather than the sordid edge that Corgan's signature sound has. The vocal accompaniment is as indispensable to this album as are any other of its aspects.

Definitely for fans of the above mentioned groups, as well as those who like Radiohead's quieter stuff. Put Sigur Rós' disk on during a cold, rainy day and feel the warm, powerful melancholy effortlessly sweep you up in its tide. Exquisite.

review by: Laurent Martini

Slow, melodic and dreamlike, Sigur Rós’ album is reminiscent of Music for Travelers by Mojave 3. The vocals almost take a back seat to the music, which always makes changes in tone or pace very slowly. The great thing about albums like these is that they are easy to listen to as background, at work, or to relax. The drawback is that they are often times too long (Sigur Rós clocks in at 71 minutes), leaving one with the desire for more variety or change in rhythm or tempo. If you’re willing to listen to the album a few songs at a time then you’ll surely like it.