Frederick Foxtrott

Sigur Rós
Hvarf-Heim
November 5th 2007
Xl Recordings

Loosely defined as “Haven-Home” or “Disappeared Home” Hvarf-Heim accompanies the release of the Sigur Rós produced documentary Heima chronicling their spontaneous return to Iceland where they played shows at various locations both in the wilderness and in a factory long since abandoned. The duality of the title underscores two central themes throughout the film. The first is Sigur Rós’ desire to illustrate the qualities of Iceland and its people that they believe have contributed to their music. The second is the increasing presence of the mining industry in the natural and majestic Icelandic landscape, which they fear is having irrevocably adverse effects on the country’s pristine environs. Heima was an effort for Sigur Rós to explicate to their audience the role that their homeland has played in the production of their music. Iceland’s aesthetic beauty and artistic spirit are the muses from which the band has drawn its creativity. Iceland provides a sanctuary from the corporate worlds of Europe and The United States, worlds that question the humble and unimposing manner in which Sigur Rós have chosen to present themselves.

Hvarf-Heim contains both unreleased tracks as well as older songs that have been conceptualized in a manner more in tune with their present style. The rerecorded songs from Hvarf are new takes from the earliest Sigur Rós album Von, which is largely an album stranded in the ether and is seemingly unable to express intent, purpose, or meaning. The new versions restructure the songs in a way that maintains their experimental nature but allows the listener to better engage the music. As the band has progressed through the years their music has matured and found a stylistically unique voice. Hvarf represents a reflection on Sigur Rós’ past; it recognizes their growth and is an homage to their origins.

Heim on the other hand plays with tracks spanning throughout Sigur Rós’ catalogue. These songs are recorded acoustically and emphasize their organic foundation. There are few things I dislike more than bands repackaging old songs and selling them as new releases in order combat their diminished capabilities and the prospect of their obsolescence, but Hvarf-Heim is a work that successfully expands on what has already been offered, rather then simply reiterating what has already been said. Hvarf-Heim connects the listener to a band that is content in their obscurity and hermeticism; it increases the enjoyment of previous records because it contextualizes the music into a broader community. Sigur Rós are no longer experimental postrockers, they are a representation of a people and country and they replicate the spirit of that community through the depth and raw beauty of their music.

8/9

http://www.sigur-ros.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/sigurros

Other Music
Von- 1997
Von Brigði- 1998
Ágætis Byrjun- 1999
Rímur EP- 2001
( )- 2002
Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do EP- 2004
Takk…- 2005