TAKK...

Of all of Sigur Ros' work, Takk... is the most alive. Whereas other albums carried the feel and energy of a funeral procession, Takk... breaks out of this mold. The melodies are often brighter, even upbeat and sometimes even resembling carnival music. Although, Sigur Ros ensure nothing ever gets too full of rainbows and sunshine by keeping a deep nostalgic feel to the album.

Takk... is Sigur Ros' best work to date. In many ways it's a more post-rock album than its predecessors which carried a more Indie feel than post-rock. The overall brighter mood and additional energy brought by the incorporation of some frantic drum beats establishes a more successful sound that keeps the album from getting monotonous as previous efforts did at parts.

The keyboard tones really make and define the sound of the album. They're very warm, almost imitative of bells, add a fine contrast to the morose orchestration. Jonsi steps out of the spot-light for this one, rarely opening his mouth. The more sparse use of vocals greatly improves the music. However, this is not to detract from Jonsi who is in top form for the album.

Of all the post-rock albums I have heard this is the most balanced and engaging to my ears.