HRISLAN OG STRAUMURINN

If there wasn't this band SIGUR ROS I would say this might be the best album to come out of Iceland. A seven piece band and this is their second and final album released in 1977. Everyone says this is the better record, more challenging and complex with some incredible playing. Vocals are in Icelandic and we get multi-vocals on here. An interesting record in the sense that we get that Symphonic title track to open the record at 14 1/2 minutes followed by a Jazz/Funk style almost the rest of the way. One of the members said they listened to Herbie Hancock's "Headhunters" a lot plus Mikael Urbaniac which is so cool, I'm a big fan and they were in awe with GENTLE GIANT which is where the virtuosity and complexity comes in.

That opener starts out with atmosphere, gongs and more before these dark piano lines come in before it all brightens and kicks in around 3 minutes. Vibes too. Flute and guitar interplay then dominates then these RPI-like vocals enter the fray. Some killer instrumental work to follow. I have to say the drummer and bass player are outstanding, so impressive. I have to mention "Fjoll" where we get these vocals with character in a jazzy mode that really brings to mind a SOLAR PLEXUS track. It will change after 2 minutes but I really like this one.

How about the funk on that second track! Some great sounding guitar as well. That third track is funny with the authentic sounding African American vocals, just too much really from these white guys from the north pole(haha). Groovy stuff. The fourth track features some acoustic and electric guitar, organ and vocals. Love the electric piano on the fifth song.

Nothing too mind blowing and they drift into some commercial territory but man I like this album. Four stars like everyone else.