Sigur Ros - Agaetis Byrjun

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Editorial reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review
Reykjavík-based noise quartet Sigur Ros are the biggest band in their native Iceland, which should say much, much more about the collective insanity of that earthquake-ridden, blizzard-beaten crag of an island than anything to do with Sigur Ros' sound. But in their music, Sigur Ros reflect all the breathtaking glory of the Icelandic wastes--a fairy-tale explosion of unhinged elemental majesty that's finally crystalised here, their debut European release. Poised somewhere between the haunting soundscapes of Labradford and the lilting Celtic falsetto of Enya, IAgaetis Byrjun/I is a truly breathtaking listen. Frontman Jon Por Birgisson sings in a language that Sigur Ros dub Hopelandic--an otherworldly mutation of Icelandic, sung in the falsetto cadence of angels; similarly, he plays his guitar with a violin bow, opening the floodgates for brilliant waves of feedback. And while it's the opening "Svefn-G-Englar" that's Sigur Ros' defining moment to date, there's far more that IAgaetis Byrjun/I has to offer; the pomp and flourish of a full orchestra on "Flugufrelsarinn", or the awe-inspiring near-religious mantra of "Ny Batteri". I--Louis Pattison/I

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Customer reviews

review by: date: 2009-05-23 rating:
Like Salvation being Dredged up from the Icelandic Deep
Svefn-G-Englar is the most heart-wrenching and monolithically beautiful piece of music to grace my ears. The churning hum of the sea can be heard as a cathedral organ pierces through the air, a deep and stark reverb like the cry of a great steam-ship heading out to sea, as an angelic voice rises effortlessly in the open space. The ten minutes of this song pass like no time at all and just knocks my worries away. br /The album is not difficult to listen to by any means, but it takes a few listens to appreciate why the songs are so lengthy. Try listening to this whilst sitting close to some decent speakers with the lights out and close your eyes, and you'll find it's one of the most transcendant experiences you can get from music. I find the vocals here are the best compared to any of their other albums, because here everything sounds so natural and instinctive and it is their first masterpiece. Like another reviewer said, I'm extremely grateful that there are still people out there who want to create this kind of stunning music and have the talent to do so. There's really no reason for me to believe you won't find anything worthwhile to listen to here.

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review by: Lady Marion date: 2009-04-21 rating:
Amazing like all their music
Listening to this CD or group you discover a musical universe around you. You will not be disappointed!

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review by: date: 2009-03-15 rating:
Brilliant
I had heard of Sigur Ros a number of times over the past couple of years, but never heard their actual music (except the ubiquitous excerpt from BBC's Life on Earth!). I saw Takk and their most recent album going cheap and took a chance - loved them so much that I immediately searched Amazon for any other albums - bought Agaetis Byrjun and () as a result. Having initially thought that Takk was my overall favourite, over time I have come to love Agaetis Byrjun, although in truth much depends on your mood. This album seems to me to contain more of the sweeping anthemic tracks - svefn - g englar and staralfur combine both soaring melodies and that fantastic use of reverb which has become something of a trademark with them. As for the title track, it's just magnificent.

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review by: date: 2008-12-26 rating:
spectacular
absolutely breathtaking one of the best albums ever made! emotive, challenging, ethereal, powerful and glowing, gleaming glistening with beauty. an album of revelatiion that penetrates the soul, fascinates the brain and sends electric pulses through your body so overwhelming you'll probably be reduced to tears! in short buy it, it'll probably be one of the best decisions you ever make one the best albums in the world made by one the best bands in the world sigur ros = god!!!!


review by: Pwchy date: 2008-08-25 rating:
Not sure if I completely get this music?!
I must admit that I don't know if I completely understand this music (yet?). It's kind of like new age Pink Floyd with an Icelandic twist. The reason I say that is because it has such a broad expanse of sound which I do like. I must admit the middle of the album is really worth buying it for - there is such a lot going on it's awesome. However on the down side I feel that some of the tracks are a bit long and seem to have these very strange endings where a load of odd unrelated sounds seem to be tagged on as an after thought. Apart from that it has really grown on me and I think if you like something a bit out of the norm then this may well be for you.

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