From Iceland — Útidúr: This mess we've made

Published November 15, 2010

I highly recommend that you do not leave this island without the debut album from local twelve-piece band Útidúr stowed away in your luggage. It’s one of those little gems that turns up out of nowhere and charms its way into your iTunes favourites in less time than it takes to load up your Mac.
The album flows extremely well from track to track, and skilfully creates a coherent atmosphere throughout that’s laden with Mexican Mariachi flair and darkly mischievous lyrics. It’s somewhat reminiscent of Beirut and at certain moments, Tindersticks. Well, Tindersticks with bottle of tequila and a Colt 45 that is.
This is an album that you can turn this on and enjoy right through, but forced to choose a favourite, it would be the quirky melody and harmonies on ‘The glow / retreat’.
This album stands out from the sea of Icelandic post-rock guitars and brooding soundscapes to create something not only distinctive, but distinctively good too.