VON BRIGÐI

Warning:

Though it seems harsh to give an album one star, on a site such as this it deserves so. Unless I read the website's given name wrong and this page is really "http://www.technoarchives.com/techno_rock_discography_CD.asp?cd_id=7346." I must say I don't know anything about ambience, techno, electronia, etc. but as far as I can tell this seems to be another non-progressive album posted for someone's bashing. I offer this warning to you all, if you have the chance to buy it one day (it's rare, I hear) it will turn into an antique I am sure, but it may be better just to attempt downloading for a "kicks and giggles" experiment, unless you are a die-hard fan, or enjoy Von to a certain extent, but felt it needed more from the key area instead of the bass and drums areas. You can get a slightly more pessimistic version of this CD through the "Aphex Twins," though that's much quicker and upbeat.

Bottom Line: If you want to see remixed Von songs, shoot for this. Otherwise I suggest trying out "Von Brigði" as long as it's cost free. But the later two albums, and maybe even the 2004 EP (Ba Ba Ti Ki Di Do) are far more accessable, interesting, and not just pure ambients. If only this were a purely electronia site, and if only this particular album blended Von elements with somethings included in the future albums. But it's too late for that.

I personnally rate this album a 4 1/2 out of 5, with track 8 be dismal. however tracks 7 and 10 are, in my opinion, awesome, along with the other tracks being very good. I have a strong interest in electronica and even drum and bass, along with a love for the wonderous sounds of sigur ros. if you are a fan of some or the more energetic mum track (Smell memory) then track two on this album is re-worked by mum and is very good, with track 3 being almost a pure liquid drum and bass track. essentially and album with deep bass, and pinches and slice of sigur ros beauty. in essence bringing together my love of both "genres" as horrible as that word is into something that doesnt exist in any other works. this is unique, if you could listen to a track for free before deciding to buy this album i would recommend it. If you simply wish to buy the album,it is very rare but can still be found in a few places, ebay for about 100 quid (at date of this post)!!!(note: this album is some times called recycle bin) ignore that, and go through: https://www.smekkleysa.net. Where you will find it for 20 dollars along with all musical things icelandic.

James. .

Outlandish

There are pieces of music which make the evening to a psychedelic voyage. A voyage to an another weird land. This remix album contains very experimental and mind-blowing remixes of diverse Iceland electronic works. The whole album appears very calming although it keeps the tempo and don't let draw off the attention.

With the first tracks Syndir Guðs you are introduced to mystical character of the album, but yet on the next one the energetic tempo is set. On the track 7 we can hear a choir which perfectly fit in the form of the album. Also the last track Leit Af Lífi, the only one made of Sigur, is in the line with the rest of the record.

Generally the diversity of effects on the album offers listeners a perfectly mind trip. There is of course a light taste of techno-music but in connection with this cold, insular style it makes this work really worth of listening.

Because of hardly correlation with truly progressive electronic but very high pleasure of listening, this album deserves 4 stars.

"Von Brigði" is an album featuring remixes of songs from Icelandic post-rock act Sigur Rós 1997 debut album "Von". The album was released through Smekkleysa Records in 1998. It has yet (up until 2022) not seen an international release and has only been released on Iceland or through the band´s online store. A green-coloured vinyl version exists but was only pressed in 100 copies.

It´s interesting how different the remix versions of the songs sound from the original ambient, noisy, and droning post-rock versions from "Von" (1997). Most have been given a shot of electronica or at least some programmed drum beats, so while this is still ambient and atmospheric music, the material have become a much more rhythmically awarding listen. The tracks have been cut up and put together again and if I didn´t know it, I wouldn´t necessarily have guessed that these were remixes of the material from "Von" (1997). That´s how different this sounds to the original.

"Von Brigði" is a well produced release. You hear all details, and some of the minimalistic droning tracks from "Von" (1997) come to life in a whole new way in these remix versions. Overall I´ve been pleasantly surprised by "Von Brigði" and much prefer this album to the original. There´s power and bite here and also an air of accessibility that the uncompromising drone of "Von" (1997) does not offer, and it´s deliberating. A 3 star (60%) rating is warranted.