IT'S A TRAP! Scandinavian Music Journal

MP3: Dikta - Thank you

Fri, 13 May 2011 12:57:46 -0700

The 4th volume of Iceland Music Export's "Made in Iceland" compilation series is out and, as always, it features a wide selection of artists including a few you may know (FM Belfast, Sin Fang, Ólöf Arnalds, Rökkurró, etc.) plus at least a couple you may not. All have released albums recently and are touring at home and abroad and, who knows? Maybe even a few will surprise you by not conforming to your usual expectations of Icelandic music -- I can tell you that this Dikta track certainly defies my prejudices. No ambient soundscapes, no other-worldly vocal swoops, no precious tweeness -- just straight-up solid, friendly pop/rock. Nothing wrong with that at all.
For more info, check out the comp's official microsite where they have the whole thing available for streaming: http://www.icelandmusic.is/Media/Made-in-Iceland-4/

TLOBF sessions: Rökkurró

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 12:33:56 -0700

Check out a The Line of Best Fit live session with Icelandic act Rökkurró: http://www.thelineofbestfit.com/2011/04/rokkurro-sjonarspil-the-line-of-best-fit-session/

Rökkurró Í annan heim 12 Tónar

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:09:43 -0800

When talking about music, the word "Icelandic" has come to mean a lot more than where the band members hail from. With the consistently brilliant works of Sigur Rós, the talents of Mùm, and Björk's wonderfully bizarre offerings, "Icelandic" has come to simultaneously define an ethereal, arctic expanse and an idiosyncratic and otherworldly landscape, with any deviations to one's conception of the term often being easily reconciled and folded into the wide-reaching designation. While "Í annan heim" may lean more towards a more traditional presentation of melancholy pop than their kinsfolk, Rökkurró will not be heralded as the band who broke the Icelandic mold, though this isn't to disparage their talents or sound. "Í annan heim" is home to quite a bit of quality songwriting, though, as a whole, the despondence is not always paired with intrigue -- the compositions, while beautiful, often pass without having convinced us to follow. The album does open up with repeated listening, and closer "Svamur" makes a strong case for one to start the album over, but I wouldn't be surprised if some never make it to those final moments -- those that find themselves wanting another pass through, however, will be happily rewarded.

Musik med Rökkurró, First Aid Kit

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:50:34 -0800

Icelandic act Rökkurró plays live for PSL: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/11/05/musik-med-rokkurro/
And Swedish sisters First Aid Kit do the same: http://blogg.svt.se/psl/2010/11/8/musik-med-first-aid-kit-4/

Ja Ja Ja London showcase confirmed for October

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 18:31:21 -0700

Ja Ja Ja has confirmed that the lineup for their October showcase on the 21st will feature The Deer Tracks, The Low Frequency in Stereo and Rökkurró.

Feature: Iceland's new heroes

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:47:14 -0700

It is not a secret that Reykjavík, a town of 100,000 inhabitants, has a thriving music scene and is home to hundreds of local bands. Unannounced and impromptu gigs in small bars across the city centre are not an uncommon phenomenon, in a place where everybody knows everybody. It's a Trap! flew to Iceland recently and, apart from intensive gig-going, it handpicked a selection of the best new releases by Iceland's new music representatives.

FM Belfast - How to make friends (World Champion Records)
If Scissor Sisters were residing in 101 (Reykjavík's city centre) instead of New York and had an 80's rather than a 70's twist, they would sound close to FM Belfast. If you are on a mission to fill the dancefloor, this packed with great electro-pop tunes album won't disappoint you.
LINK: http://www.fmbelfast.com/
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/fmbelfast

Sudden Weather Change - Stop! Handgrenade in the name of crib death 'nderstand? (Kimi Records)
This bunch of young Icelanders play straightforward and honest alternative rock. Their references hail from the 90's US-alternative scene and the likes of Sonic Youth and Pavement. Their music might lack some originality, but this doesn't mean that it doesn't deserve your unspoiled attention.
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/suddenweatherchange

Rökkurró - Það kólnar í kvöld... (12 Tónar)
There is a deep melancholy to this album. Hildur Stefánsdóttir's voice is charismatic and fragile and Rökkurró's melodies haunting and well-developed. "Það kólnar í kvöld..." (Icelandic for "It's getting colder tonight") is a bit raw in some production/arrangement aspects but nonetheless it is great debut from a band that has got lots to offer. I am massively looking forward to the follow-up.
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/rokkurro

Reykjavík! - The blood (Kimi Records)
After having attended a smashing live-set by these guys, the last thing I can do is to be objective. I feel compelled to praise this album. In you face, intense punk rock, combined with ridiculously catchy melodic lines and raw guitar power. There's a reason why Reykjavík! are one of the frontrunners of the new Icelandic music scene and "The blood" is the proof for this. Ones to watch!
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/reykjaviktheband

Agent Fresco - Lightbulb universe (Kimi Records)
With a voice resembling in its low passages Thom Yorke and a drummer trying to catch up with Mike Portnoy's complex beats, Agent Fresco make up a very interesting offering. Although math rock is not for all times of the day, if you do happen to be in the mood, Agent Fresco will do the trick really well.
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/agentfresco

Sing Fang Bous - Clangour (Kimi Records)
Sing Fang Bous is the solo project of Sindri Már Sigfússon from folk-pop outfit Seabear. This time around Sindri introduces more electronic and experimental elements, without excluding the folksy ones. The outcome is an inspired album full of beautiful soundscapes and tender melodies.
LINK: http://www.myspace.com/sinfangbous

All CDs can be purchased from:
12 Tónar
Kimi Records
Smekkleysa

Words and picture by Vasilis Panagiotopoulos