Having been born with the curse of punctuality, I entered Nýlenduvöruverslun Hemma og Valda at 21:00, only to be informed that the concert would not start for at least another 45 minutes because of a show going on next door where they were using some of the equipment needed for the night’s gig. So I walked over to Kaffi Hljómalind to check out the bands and kill some time.
When I arrived, youngsters Muck were finishing off their set of metallic hardcore with a wall of noise. They’ve just released their first album “Vultures” and are definitely a band to watch. Then came a short set from Bárujárn who, without vocals because of a bad P.A., and without Theremin, because of a broken Theremin, weren’t really all that great—which is a shame because when on form they really are a good band.
After Bárujárn’s set, I walked back over to Nýlenduvöruverslun Hemma og Valda just in time to see Me, the slumbering Napoleon set up. They are very often referred to as promising due to their young age, both as people and as a band, but I really don’t think that is a fair description. Very good doesn’t even do them justice. What they are is a great band. And they delivered a hell of a set. Heavy, loud and powerful they switched between aggressive rock in the vein of Shellac to a spastic funk fusion that would have made the Minutemen proud. They promised a summer release for their album that will doubtlessly be one of the year’s best.
What came next was certainly not as pleasant. Kid Twist are good. And their drone rock is as good as anyone’s, but taking an hour to set up is never a smart move. No matter how good you are. It just means that when you finally get on stage people will have either left or are getting very impatient. The latter being the case for me. And to make matters somewhat worse, they suffered from some sound problems as well. I’ve seen Kid Twist play excellent shows. Too bad this wasn’t one of them.
After the wait for Kid Twist, I had done my fair share of standing around. So I left Nýlenduvöruverslunin before Skelkur í bringu got to the stage. Their show is something I’ll have to experience another time.