A pair of compilations from Iceland, both good and pretty diverse, meaning that they encompass, as well as the expected (and pleasing) range of indie-pop - there are quite a lot of introverted, prettily ethereal anthems, and also a fair bit of folk-touched stuff, but the more upbeat end of the spectrum is well represented too - there is also Icelandic reggae ("Taktu Þessa Trommu" and "Hafið" by Hjalmar), Icelandic blues ("Kletturinn" by Mugison), Icelandic soul ("Lately" by Jón Jónsson), Icelandic country ("Gamli grafreiturinn" by Klassart), and more again.
Favourites: "Out of Place" by Ourlives (one of those delicate soarers); "Góða Tungl" by Samaris (a trip-hop-y kind of thing); "What Are We Waiting For?" by Amiina (they remind me of Sigur Ros, though with a female singer and a bit lighter, with an almost folky feel); "Cold Summer" by Seabear (quietly grand, somewhat in the Sufjan Stevens vein).
Favourites: "Out of Place" by Ourlives (one of those delicate soarers); "Góða Tungl" by Samaris (a trip-hop-y kind of thing); "What Are We Waiting For?" by Amiina (they remind me of Sigur Ros, though with a female singer and a bit lighter, with an almost folky feel); "Cold Summer" by Seabear (quietly grand, somewhat in the Sufjan Stevens vein).
