See Sigur Rós and Steindór Andersen in:
Sigur Rós is an Icelandic band whose music is sometimes described as post-rock — they use rock instrumentation to create non-rock music. They formed in Reykjavik in 1994 as a three piece and currently have four members, but when they perform there can be up to 20 people on stage.
One of the distinctive features of their sound is the haunting falsetto of their singer Jónsi, who also plays his guitar with a cello bow. Their most successful album is Ágætis Byrjun that has some innovative instrumentation: the strings in Starálfur are palindromic — the same forwards and backwards — and the intro is a chapter from the title track played backwards.
Steindór Andersen is a fisherman and chanter/singer of the traditional Icelandic epic poetry form, rímur, which dates back to Viking times. A full rímur performance can last 40 hours or more so it's not for the faint of heart (or those who like their sleep). He also plays the role of Snorri in Beowulf & Grendel, a Medieval adventure film that tells the blood-soaked tale of a Norse warrior's battle against the great and murderous troll Grendel.
Steindór regularly appears as a guest artist with Sigur Rós, and released a limited edition e.p. of rímur with them in 2001 that's now a collector's item.
Line-up:
- Steindór Andersen (vocals)
- Georg Holm (bass)
- Jón Þor (Jónsi) Birgisson (vocals, guitar )
- Kjartan Sveinsson (keyboards)
- Orri Páll Dýrason (drums)
Visit the Sigur Rós and Steindór Andersen website
