Hjaltalín are locally renowned for their live performances, and their new live album, ‘Alpanon’—a live album that documents their concert with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra this spring (nicely packaged as a CD/DVD combo)—is a testament to their deserved reputation.
Hjaltalín’s unique style is complimented well by the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra and in their performance they almost sound as if they were meant to play together. Even though the atmosphere of a live show is rarely properly conveyed on plastic, Alpanon at least succeeds in delivering some of the force, which is no mean feat. The DVD is also good, cleanly shot and edited, giving a decent overview of the evening. If you want to listen to something you like done a bit differently, give ‘Alpanon’ a go.

Hjaltalín’s myspace