The Icelandic formation Sigur Ròs unexpectedly managed to reach a large international audience with experimental soundscapes and fantasy texts. With their fifth album Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust they manage to surprise again. More than before, the richly layered band sound is in the service of completed songs, which sometimes barely exceed three minutes in length. 'With a buzz in our ears
… we play endlessly', is the translation of the album title, and on the cover we see naked young people running towards freedom. Sigur Ròs is celebrating life, it would seem, and with a little good will you could call it their first 'pop album'. Yet there is no question of superficiality, there are enough quiet moments not to alienate the fans of the first hour. And even the most accessible songs invite you to listen several times, due to the special, often inventive arrangements. (MS)more
