HVARF / HEIM

Appropriately, Hvarf has several songs which will sound very familiar for fans of the band's other releases (being re-recorded versions of older, unused songs from those albums), encapsulating the group's unique sound in an approachable format that meets expectations, but doesn't quite exceed them.

Hvarf is not doubt beautiful, in a way which only Sigor Ros can be described as, but is not nearly as striking as Agaetis or Takk; some of the vocalizing is indistinguishable from earlier work (maybe just because I don't speak Icelandic?), and the ambitiousness of song writing seems to be toned down as well, fitting softs/louds into more abbreviated passages without as much liquid transition between; nor are there as many wow moments to be found. Old fans will probably not rank this one near the top of the band's list, but it will still please thanks to a few new sounds in songs like Salka, which is the closest the band has ever come to a conventional sounding rock tune, and Hafsol, which features an energetic bass riff and dynamic build. Additionally, those who got to see the band live (on their last tour at least), will get to hear more of the eclectic string quartet Amiina (four talented young ladies who each play a dozen different instruments) accompany the group on several songs.

The live material is hardly a selling point, but a nice bonus for the fans. In short-- check out Agaetis and Takk first.

Songwriting: 3 Instrumental Performances: 3 Lyrics/Vocals: 3 Style/Emotion/Replay: 2