reax music magazine :: music + culture » Reviews » Sigur Ros - Hvarf/Heim

With the exception of their U.S. debut, Agaetis Byrjun, all of Sigur Rós’ releases seem to be high concept albums. There’s 2002’s ( ) which is sung entirely in Vonlenska, the band’s made up language of nonsense syllables, and accompanied by a blank booklet in which listeners are encouraged to make their own interpretations and write the lyrics. Then we have Takk… (2005), an edgier, more rock oriented piece ripe with a high impact guitar sound and crushing reverb. Hvarf/Heim, Sigur Rós’ latest release, is no homage to the power of interpretation, nor derived solely from an over emphasized  instrument, but is conceptual in that it is intended to serve as companion to the groups latest DVD release, Heima: an uncut documentary chronicling the band’s summer tour through Iceland. Hvarf/Heim complements both the rare, as well as raw, nature of the film. The double disc collection contains two very distinct assortments of songs; Hvarf consists mostly of re-recorded rarities, while the tracks on Heim are classics, remade acoustically. Both discs combine to create an album that leaves the established fans satisfied while simultaneously impressing the new ones. It’s just enough to hold you over until their official follow up to Takk…, which I’m sure will further their standing as the music industry’s impresarios of innovation. - Louren Parker