“Takk…” by Sigur Rós (2005)

Sigur Rós’ breakthrough fourth studio album not only manages to please more like its predecessor records, but it also shines upon the band a subtle outburst of popularity. Juggling between Icelandic lyrics and “Vonlenska”, Takk… stands out as one of present day’s most accessible representations of the Post-Rock genre.

On this installment, it seems as if the band tears down the boundaries of perception employed by abstraction, and instead flourishes an intense yet delicate sound concentrated by divinely beautiful melodies and arrangements. Utilizing the combination of a surreal and chilly atmosphere, tear inducing strings and they’re trademark falsetto vocals, Takk… emerges victorious from the difficult task of transmitting the emotion brought by minimalism but in a blood pumping rock oriented context.

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“( )” by Sigur Rós (2002)

Icelandic Post-Rock band Sigur Rós’ anticipated third studio album was released in 2002 and consolidated the band internationally. ( ), which is often referred to as “parentheses” or “the untitled album” features 8 untitled tracks sung in “Vonlenska”, [a term used by the band] which consists of meaningless syllables in a fashion similar to that of scat singing.

( ) turns out to be the least album to feature the ice cold ethereal sound, and quite contrary, infuses the songs with an ironically refreshing heat induced barrage of uncontrollable emotions. The album marks its own line, dividing optimistic songs at the beginning with melancholic songs at the end, which proves to be a great formula as it appears to progressively escalate until the record’s final minutes of pure and epic bursts of masterful sound bombarded fireworks.

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“Ágætis byrjun” by Sigur Rós (1999)

Slowly spreading by word of mouth, Icelandic band Sigur Rós’ second album became a hit and is probably well known for introducing to the world the basis for they’re [later more widely known] ethereal sound.

Whereas Von displayed an aural ambient sound influenced primarily by Nordic landscapes, Ágætis byrjun creates a fusion between Dream Pop and the serene and forgiving quality of Iceland’s nature. By utilizing interesting brass and strings (specifically the electric guitar played with a cello bow) the album finally consolidates the band’s sound which feels almost like soaring through Iceland’s skies sitting in a cloud while the cold wind slowly moves an iceberg towards a silent crash ashore.

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“Von” by Sigur Rós (1997)

After getting a record deal with Sugarcubes-owned label Bad taste, Icelandic Post-Rock band Sigur Rós (meaning “Victory Rose”) released they’re debut album titled Von (which means “Hope”).

Structurally, the album behaves as a minimalist recording, utilizing rock instruments to produce simple melodies that exhale an ethereal sounding representation of Iceland’s landscapes and emotions by taking elements of Dream Pop and Ambient music. Thanks to post production, the record’s supernal sound is magnified by adding another layer of celestial sounds to it, and all of it summed up with lead singer Jónsi Birgisson's trademark falsetto voice.

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