Album Review: Sigur Rós - Valtari

Listening to Sigur Rós is akin to surrounding yourself in a fluffy cloud and floating through the sky on a wave of beautiful music and angelic vocals. The joy of this band is that it doesn't even matter that the lyrics aren't in English, or that sometimes they aren't even words at all, because the emotion behind each song comes through so clearly that it's irrelevant.

Their sixth studio album is a beautiful collection of eight tracks that are more like moments than songs and have been described by the band themselves as “like an avalanche in slow-motion.” Valtari ("steamroller") is just what you'd expect from Sigur Rós – classic instrumentals, great intros and epic crescendos throughout.

Ég Anda opens the album with the calming sounds of waves crashing and whale cry as singer Jónsi Birgisson's falsetto vocals and haunting lyrics float in, building to an abrupt finish. First single off the album, Ekki Múkk, is another success with softly played violins, tinkling piano and a warm crackling sound like an old record playing in the background.

Rembihnútur is one of the more uplifting tracks with great harmonies and is followed by a number of instrumentals that are more like backing music than distinct, individual songs. Closing track Fjögur Piano is a great way to wrap up with a melancholic piano introduction that blends beautifully into soft strings, finishing with a solo violin that leaves you feeling calm and relaxed. Another clever and beautiful triumph from one of the most unusual bands around.