Sigur Ros
Sigur
Rós
Orpheum Theatre
February 7, 2006
By
Amy Farnsworth
Contributing Writer
Oh, the Places
you'll go! : Sigur Ros Takes Boston on a Journey
Imagine Radiohead lead singer, Thom Yorke, and Coldplay front man, Chris Martin,
singing in Icelandic and playing their electric guitars with cello bows. Then,
combine these musical elements with an organ, three xylophones, one bassist,
a keyboard player and a drummer. It may be difficult to explain Sigur Rós'
music, but that didn't stop fans from flocking to the Orpheum Theatre in Boston
on Tuesday Feb. 7 to see the Icelandic band perform live.
Sigur Rós' unique and powerful music has attracted audiences around
the globe, but the U.S. has been exceptionally kind to the musicians. During
their first tour in the states, Sigur Rós played sold out shows in
various cities around the country. After seeing their live performance on
Tuesday, it's no surprise that Sigur Rós continues to receive praise
from fans and critics.
Sigur Rós captivated a sold-out audience with new songs from their
most recent album, "Takk", and older favorites from "( )"
and "Von." The crowd eagerly took their seats, as the four band
members stepped on stage behind a large silk screen and played the first song
of the night, "Takk Intro." Giant silhouettes draped in red lighting
stood before the audience, as lead singer and guitarist, Jonsi Birgisson,
began to sing the popular song, "Glosoli." Birgisson's high-pitched,
clear voice accompanied by steady drumbeats, echoed throughout the theatre,
bouncing off balcony walls, as the song gained momentum. The silk screen lifted,
and lights pulsated to each drum beat, and like a cellist, Birgisson placed
a bow across his guitar, emitting distorted, yet entrancing sounds. As the
four musicians continued to play, black and white video clips shown on a large
screen, accompanied the haunting, beautiful music, and set the mood for the
rest of the show.
Soon, the intensity of Sigur Rós' music became undeniable, when the
opening act, Amina, a music group consisting of four women from Iceland, assembled
to form a string quartet. The band then started to play, Sæglópur,
another song off of their album, "Takk." Piano chords overlapped
the sound of three xylophones, plinking harmonies, as Birgisson picked up
his guitar and led the way with keyboard player, Kjartan Sveinsson, for a
powerful finish.
Although Sigur Rós only consists of four musicians, their music encompasses
powerful emotions that instantly transport you to places you've only imagined,
but have never experienced. Within minutes of listening to their music, Sigur
Rós takes you on a journey, through unexplored lands, where your mind
is free to wander.
An hour into the show, my mind began to wander, as the band lulled me to sleep
with slower songs. Despite the lack of intensity during the middle of the
show, I still appreciated the unique and captivating beauty of Sigur Rós'
music.
One of the most memorable and intimate moments of the night was when the band
played, Heysátan. Gold floor lights flickered on and off, like candles,
as the band played sitting in a circle, facing each other. Bassist, Georg
Holm, swayed back and forth in his chair to keep the beat, and lead singer,
Birgisson, sustained powerful notes as the silk curtain dropped from above.
The audience stood up and gave a standing ovation as band members took their
places behind the silk curtain and played the last song of the night, "Popplagið."
Birgisson wailed over a powerful, driving rhythm, and psychedelic lighting
and video footage flashed before the audience's eyes as the journey finally
ended.
Sigur Ros will continue to stop at major cities during their 2006 tour, including
New York and Los Angeles. They will also headline the annual California music
festival, Coachella Valley Music Fest, April 29-30, with other independent
acts including, Franz Ferdinand, Bloc Party, and Matisyahu.
