Sigur Ros' seminal Agaetis Byrjun. Their sophomore LP released in 1999 saw the Icelandic 4-piece move further away from the traditional rock influences which defined the sound of Von into something new entirely. The introduction of the made up 'Hopelandic' language and Jónsi Birgisson's bow-strummed guitar playing quickly became a recipe for "epic," lending new meaning to the term and soon becoming their signature which would be deployed to even greater effect on their next album. But while that record depicted a rather bleak, snowy, apocalyptic scenario, there's some joy to be gleaned from Agaetis Byrjun, even some groove. Includes the extraordinary "Sven-g-englar" but "Ný Batterí," "Olsen Olsen" and the title track are also favorites. Recommended.

• 'deep blue' colored double vinyl pressing
• VMP Essentials Edition
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ liner note booklet
• limited edition
• original release year: 1999
• music label: Krunk 2022

reviewed by Rake Yavick 06/2019