Everybody’s favourite Icelandic cowboys are again, this time with their most mature and refined report to this point. Sólstafir‘s Hin helga kvöl is nothing in need of a masterpiece. I first found Sólstafir once they participant Maryland Demise Fest a great variety of years again. This when many of the bands performed within the large car parking zone out in the course of downtown Baltimore.
Sólstafir have been a fervent a part of the underground scene for a few years, flying slightly below the radar. One distinctive characteristic of the band that may have prevented them from higher mainstream success has been their apply to solely sing music of their native Icelandic, (in need of one music, “Her Fall From Grace” on their earlier report, Limitless Twilight of Codependent Love launched again in 2020). Whereas Icelandic is perhaps one of the vital troublesome languages for foreigners to be taught, I’ve by no means minded the truth that I could not totally perceive what’s being sung. The music actually helps inform the story of their songs and I like to consider the lyrics as one thing that provides one other distinctive texture to their already complicated sonicspheres.
“Hun Andar” is the opening monitor. The plush guitars have virtually an indie sound to them whereas the percussion and rhythm type a quite upbeat backdrop. Layered vocals give the music some sensible texture.
The title monitor, “Hin Helga Kvöl” is a speed-infused rocker that’s reveals the band’s strong roots in steel. In fact, of their typical model, the foursome give us some twists and turns quite than depend on pure velocity or heft. It is a quite uncooked lower, sonically, entrenched in black steel origins. “Nu Mun Ljosio Deyja” is an identical monitor that additionally will fulfill these in search of one thing significantly heavy.
“Blakkrakki” is a enjoyable monitor with a an equally enjoyable video that has the band on a transferring flatbed taking part in throughout the Icelandic panorama. A departure from the heavy feelings normally discovered of their music, it is a extra playful lower that exhibits that Solstafir can simply have some all out good instances as effectively. And should you’re questioning what a “blakkrakki” is, it is merely a black canine. I hear some early U2 affect on this monitor, maybe that is why I can not seem to get it out of my head.
“Vor As” is a rocker. Maybe their closest factor to one thing you may hear in an area. Replete with feminine backing vocals, the band appears to tug a rabbit out of a hat right here. “Freygatan” is one other music that is firmly entrenched in traditional rock roots. This one will evoke a little bit of David Gilmour with it is guitar solo that is available in in direction of the tip of the monitor.
Feelings run excessive in each “Gryla” and “Kuml.” Each very transferring and considerably bleak, nonetheless, followers of the band would count on nothing much less. Talking of the bands’ fan following, I’ve come to suppose that many will discover tons to like on this latest report. Quite a lot of range and knowledgeable songwriting offers Hin helga kvöl a clearly distinguished place within the band’s sensible catalog.
