Friday Playlist: Icelandic bands

Christine and I are chilling in Reykjavik right now and have heard some great music on this trip. So I thought I’d put together a little playlist of Icelandic bands you should check out.

Ásgeir
After leading us on a hike through some glaciers, our guide put in Ásgeir Trausti’s newest album and played it non-stop during our 5 hour drive back to Reykjavik. We didn’t mind. Simply put, Ásgeir sounds a lot like Bon Iver, but with some minimal electronics added (drum loops, synths, etc). His new album, “In The Silence”, is available in english, but I much prefer the Icelandic version. There’s also a great free acoustic E.P. on Bandcamp (sadly you have to go to iTunes for all the rest of his albums).

bonus video, Asgeir cover’s “Heart Shaped Box”

Hekla
We are so excited to get to see Hekla perform at Mengi tonight! She uses a theremin and a looping pedal to build atmospheric soundscapes. Mellow and experimental. Currently she only has one album out, called “Hekla“, but a new one is on it’s way.

Skálmöld
Skálmöld is a great folk metal band from Reykjavik. They’ve released several concept albums, primarily about vikings. All of their albums sound good so far. I don’t have a favorite.