Sigur Rós and Vikings

Today I have some wildly sick music for you. The band Sigur Rós is one of the most eclectic and hauntingly incredible bands I have ever heard. This is one of those bands that people seem to know about but also not know a thing about. Struggle, I know. But, for those of you who have never heard of Sigur Rós or know the name but no songs, this is a special treat for you. 

If there is one thing I have learned from my dabbles in literature, entertainment, and music, you really only get to experience these things for the first time once. I know it sounds so stupid, but when you think about it, the reality of that is there. You only get to experience something for the first time once. That elation and excitement and complete shock and utter bliss is something that you feel from experiencing something for the first time will never happen again once you have experienced it. So for those of you who are hearing Sigur Rós for the first time, I hope you really enjoy this first exposure to this band and song. I can tell you that there is a good chance that you will be absolutely spellbound and amazed by their music. 

This is a band that knows how to get to the depths of your soul, take you to the places that you try to bury or don't want to address within your own emotions. This is a song and a band that features the most ethereal vocals I have heard from a band. Jonsi Brigisson's vocals are to die for. They have the most perfect level of eeriness and charm that pulls you in and doesn't let you go. No matter how you feel about it, whether you find his falsetto vocals to be beautiful or strange, you feel so captivated by them. Jonsi Brigisson also sings this this form of lyrical styling called Vonlenska. Now what this is, is a non-literal language that forms unintelligible lyrics. They basically make up "words" and sounds that feel like they belong in the song. It sounds like he could be singing something we understand, maybe even a different language. But, he isn't actually singing something we can.

Sigur Ros is nothing short of being incredibly bad ass and powerful.They shroud themselves in this dark mystery to obscure themselves and what they are like, in order to maintain anonymity. Part of the way Sigur Rós is able to do this, is because of the instrumentation and composition behind each song. For example, the band uses the bowed guitar as a method of making their music draw us in. They literally use a bow to play the guitar, the same way you would use it for a viola or cello. Not only is this uncommon, but it is so haunting that you cannot seem to pull your ears away. This song combines the idea of ethereal orchestral sounds with this doom kind of feel to create something that seems to mirror the storms of life. The song unfolds in waves, starting with a softer side and then building up to this tremendous percussion roar that is enough to rattle you to the core. And sprinkled throughout the song are moments of classical and aesthetically pleasing moments. Moments that are like rays of light among the storm of the orchestra. Sigur Rós is one of the most genius bands out there, and sadly they do not get as much credit as they should. I have never heard a band be completely in touch with an orchestra in the way Sigur Rós is. I recommend listening to all of their music because no song sounds like the other, and each album tells a different story. I think you all will find something in Sigur Rós that you can't shake. 

Today's instrumental song comes from the television show Vikings. By the way, this is a phenomenal show. Anyway, this song is very similar to a lot of the sounds we get from the first song. That intensity that you can't back down from is prevalent throughout this song and there is something about it that makes you want to get up and face all of your enemies head on. Something about this song makes me feel strong and powerful from the inside out. I hope you enjoy the music and please feel free to comment! 

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