Sigur Rós - Live at the Hammersmith Apollo

On the 28th of March '06 I went to see a band called 'Sigur Rós' with a couple of my friends, they were AMAZING! If you haven't ever heard of them click here to check out their site. You'll find latest news, tour details, media and external links that can lead you to other domains out there with similar music. ..with cascades of moaning, bowed guitars colliding with low-end keyboards while the lovely, alien-registered vocals of singer Jónsi float on top.. [1]

Truly one of the best experience of my entier life, beating all other bands i've seen live by a mile! Their presentation (that took place at the Hammersmith Apollo, London, UK) was not only music but image seamlessly integrated into one mind blowing production! It consisted of interesting lighting effects, moving image and still image media projection. [1] [2] [3] [4]

The night out was completely worth it only coming to a total of 30 GBP per ticket with maybe 3 -4 quid on top for beer and such per person. As we arrived we found out that a supporting band would be playing (we had no idea of this, that little extra run for our money was also good) and the pretty much instantly turned me into a fan with their small 4 piece line up. Much like Sigur Rós, Amiina used similar techniques to achieve this magical Icelandic, possibly alien-like sound. The main three differences were 1) The sex of the band was completely female the opposite of Sigur Rós. 2) Instead of the frontman Jónsi with his guitar and bow, Amiina had the ol' saw and bow creating very beautiful melodic sounds. 3) Amiina used an Apple Mac to aid with some of the computer generated backing tracks that they would have made themselves when producing their EP.

If you have heard of the great Sigur Rós then you will know they have had their latest album out for a couple of months named 'Takk...' translated to English 'Thankyou...' Like all artists with a few albums, some argue one is better than the others etc, but personally being a big fan, I like them all. I don't they vary much between each album but you can hear subtle differences that make each one unique. They are all my favourites, but I'd advise you to start off with 'Agaetis Byrjun' their 1999 album.

For now all I can say is to check out this breath taking, goosebump giving, heart pounding, vein loosening, dreamlike feeling and most of all trippy Icelandic band, 'Sigur Rós'

~ Raener