Selecting just a few acts is getting tougher. Icelandic bands ruled day one of the festival; with day two, we are now going to be in full swing. So here are our picks for the second day of Airwaves 2011.
Kira Kira
Kira Kira is Kristín Björk Kristjánsdóttir. It’s hard to put into words what Kira Kira sounds like. Her music is strange and subtle and, besides listening, it lends itself to a variety of media and forms of visual art. One of Kira Kira’s latest efforts is Undir Niðri, a sound installation carried out in collaboration with Graham Keegan.
Borko
Borko is the solo project of Björn Kristjánsson, Icelandic multi-instrumentalist and music producer of many talents. Björn is also known for his collaborations with other Icelandic bands, among the others Múm, Seabear and FM Belfast. Borko will perform at Airwaves 2011 both within the official program and in off-venue concerts. If you have never seen him live, your Airwaves mission will not be fulfilled unless you catch at least one of his shows.
Hauschka
Volker Bertelmann is an experimental composer and pianist from Düsseldorf. He is best known under the alias of Hauschka. Hauschka explores the possibilities of the piano by reinventing the instrument, sometimes following idiosyncratic paths to unforeseen creations. His music is not only remarkable for its evoking power and haunting beauty, but also for the originality of its empirical qualities. Hauschka is one of the presences of this Airwaves we are most thrilled about.
Sin Fang
Sin Fang is the solo project of Sindri Már, of Seabear fame. Sin Fang’s music is quintessential Iceland and yet it is totally different from what you’d expect from anything made in Iceland. I have seen Sindri & band two thousands times already and I never get tired. The wonderful Summer Echoes, which was released earlier this year, is an album you need to listen to.
Nóra
Nóra are an effervescent Icelandic pop band. Their music is as lovely and captivating as lo-fi can get, and you gotta listen to them live to fully grasp the extents of their charm. If you are not familiar with Nóra, don’t miss the occasion to attend their concert at Harpa on Thursday or their off-venue gig on Saturday. I can assure you it will be a nice surprise.
Pascal Pinon
Listening to the music written by sisters Ásthildur and Jófríður is one of a kind experience. Pascal Pinon are the incarnation of everything graceful, delicate, aesthetically pleasing and calming in Icelandic music. With a few unexpected twists. Pascal Pinon are playing on Thursday and Saturday, plus they will be also performing in off-venue shows. Be sure not to miss them.
Mr Silla
Mr Silla is a super music collective, featuring members from other legendary and semi-legendary Icelandic music acts, like Múm, Kimono, Seabear, Amiina, Sin Fang and Bob Justman. Thanks to powerful vibes and seductive vocals, Mr Silla is Icelandic rock at its best. We are looking forward to the release of their debut album.
YACHT
YACHT is the brainchild of Portland-based musician and multimedia artist Jona Bechtolt. The original solo project turned into a duo with Claire L. Evans joining in. YACHT have recently expanded their setup to include the live act The Straight Gaze as a reinforcement to their shows and are now thus a full-fledged band. And it must be said, for completeness’ sake: they are kinda awesome.
Beach House
Beach House are an acclaimed two-piece band from Baltimore. Victoria Legrand and Alex Scally deliver pervasive and timeless dream pop visions, bathed in ethereal atmospheres flowing through intense lyrics. Their latest album, Teen Dream, is their most successful release to date. Beach House are one of the most awaited acts of Airwaves 2011. Hordes of fans — and hipsters — flocked to Iceland just to attend this event.
Quadruplos
Weirdcore duo Quadruplos comprises Tomio Newmilk and Magnoose, two Reykjavik-based multimedia artists. Their music is an immersive synesthetic experience, where diverse suggestions unconventionally converge. Also thanks to the quirky quality of their shows, Quadruplos are capable of bringing the average conception of live music to a new level.
For better planning and to make sure you’re not missing anything that tickles your curiosity, be sure to take a good look at Airwaves 2011 official program here.
I have never traveled so far for a band. But I did it for exhibitions. In the family they think I am crazy to do it.
Hauschka has recorded a beautiful record with icelandic cellist Hildur Gudnadottir this year, a record of live improvisations.Hauschka plays prepared piano in this record, nothing new since the times of John Cage,but sounds good. I dont call it exactly “reinventing the instrument”.If someone wants to ear some real reinvention of the piano, the best are people like Jacques Demierre,Sophie Agnel and Magda Mayas.And yes, Pascal Pinon are adorable, and Kira Kira is really hard to classify.
The fact Hauschka made use of unusual techniques to modify his piano is reivention, even if other pianists tried a similar approach. I think the description is accurate, mr. Jose.