Sigur Rós, Take a Bow
Last night at Benaroya Hall, we were distressed by the sight of something terrible amidst the sold-out crowd: there, a couple rows in front of us on the orchestra level, were four guys with their collars popped. Yuck. Kids, do you know who pops their collars? Tools and/or douchebags. Case(s) in point. So leave that shit in Bellevue, Chad, 'cause you're here to see Sigur friggin' Rós.
All issues of meathead fashion aside, the Icelandic art rock band put on quite the show, assisted by both all-girl string quartet/percussion ensemble Amiina and the fabulous acoustics of the venue itself. Within the friendly confines of the S. Mark Taper Foundation Auditorium, Jón þór Birgissin's falsetto was even more moving, and the band's varied instrumentation that much more powerful. Takk's "Glósóli" developed slowly, chugging along, until a sonic eruption swelled to the point of bursting. At other times, it was as if dear Jónsi were our Icelandic nanny, lulling us to sleep with his ethereal vocals and bowed guitar.
The band's setlist wasn't that different from when they were in town last September, but it was a treat to finally hear ( )'s "Untitled #4" live. Still no "Starálfur" (as featured in The Life Aquatic), even though we had heard the band had played it at other shows on this tour. Again, Sigur Rós provided a multimedia experience, beginning and ending their set in shadow behind a scrim. All the visuals were well-choreographed to fit the songs, from the music-triggered flashing lights to video images of landscapes, powerlines, leaves, and what we could only assume were melting polar icecaps.
Though they didn't do anything dramatically different from their last show, so what? Sigur Rós always puts on an impressive, empassioned performance; they're certainly a band best experienced live. Our companion was reluctant to admit it, but they are kinda a one-trick pony. Still, that's one great trick no one comes close to replicating.
Photos courtesy of Flickr / user: HeyRocker
