Words by

John Rogers and Hannah Jane Cohen

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What’s going on in Icelandic music today? Lots. Folk, rap, trap, oddly appealing Euro-pop… you name it, and you’ll find it in Iceland.

einarIndra – Ripples
EinarIndra’s slow, trappy falsetto ballads have had us transfixed since the release of his low key anthem “Maybe I’m Wrong.” His new track, “Ripples,” is an exciting glimpse into what he’s working on, with the same late-night atmosphere and creative production flourishes. It’s what we wish The xx had done next. JR

Andy Svarthól – Tímafrekja
Indie weirdos Andy Svarthól return with their third track to date. This time, category is: haunting slowcore ballad with Spaghetti Western guitars. They’re an intriguing bunch, this one, turning out tracks that seem like more than the sum of their parts. JR

Milkywhale – Eclipse
This electronic pop duo are a firm favourite here at Grapevine, and their debut LP doesn’t disappoint. Live favourite “Eclipse” is the finale—an overblown power ballad that ends with the refrain “I am longing for a meaningful world!” And c’mon—who isn’t, right? JR

Ösp Eldjárn – Travelling Man
Joni Mitchell-inspired singer/songwriter Ösp Eldjárn’s new song comes with a wonderful video, gleaned from VHS tapes of a family holiday around Iceland in 1995. If you like hanging around in Café Rosenberg listening to acoustic acts, this is one for you. JR

Dadykewl – Lada (Acoustic Version)
Dadykewl’s “Lada” was in a previous Grapevine playlist, but the rapper’s newly released acoustic version might just be better than the original. Showcasing killer vocals and even a cello, the song is designed to make you say, “Wait, he can do this?!!” Yes, it’s that good. Dadykewl’s consistently been improving and this tune proves it—he’s an artist to watch. HJC

Andsetinn – ANTI-INDUSTRY
Produced by Smjörvi of HRNNR & Smjörvi fame, “ANTI-INDUSTRY” is like a recording of an Adderall trip gone wrong. At only one minute and six seconds, the song’s intensity hits you like, well, an Adderall trip gone wrong. It’s crazy in a way that’s inappropriate for parties, chill-out sesses, or even panic attacks—but shit, it’s addictive. Like Adderall. HJC

Áttan – Ekki Seena
After the runaway success of “NeiNei,” Áttan has blessed us with another earworm. “Ekki Seena” is about the plight of seeing or not seeing an SMS. “You snap me and like me on Insta. Too many games, I don’t have time.” We relate, Áttan. We relate. HJC