From Iceland — Kira Kira

Published August 18, 2008

In recent years, the successful portions of the Icelandic post-rock scene have made a sound to call their own and Kira Kira, along with their topically-named new album, fit quite precisely into this school.
Mixing together brass instrumentation reminiscent of bands like Benni Hemm Hemm, albeit with a bit more subtlety, and a constant supply of other orchestral sounds, samples and airy vocals (the type that bought the Cocteau Twins success), the overall effect is a little disconcerting to start with but songs like ‘Ágústskot’ and ‘Gremlin Holiday’ bring a welcome accessibility to what is a fine and intricate album.
The rest of the album is crammed with innovation and unexpected moments. ‘Bless’ is the closest thing you’ll hear ever to a Hawaiian / Icelandic crossover track with its lazy slide guitar, electro backing and perky melody, but it retains an honest and charming nature which manifests itself in several different ways throughout its nine compositions.

• THE VERDICT Confusingly dense at first but the myriad of sounds and influences come together superbly after a couple of spins. Worthy of a gold medal. listen & buy www.this.is/kirakira