Words by

Óli Dóri and Davíð Roach Gunnarsson

Every once in a while we like to indulge in a bit of shameless self-promotion and we are doing so now for a very good reason, so bear with us.
On July 21 last year, we launched straum.is, on which we have since published 400 stories documenting the music scene and hopefully helping people discover a new favourite band or two. This summer, the site branched out into the English language column that you’re reading right now in this fine publication and so we would like you, dear reader, to come to our first birthday party. It’ll be held at Harlem on August 22, when we turn exactly 1 year, 1 month, and 1 day old. Some of our favourite local artists will be playing and yours truly will be DJing. The party starts at 21:00 on that Thursday and there will be some free beer for those who show up early. So join us in a celebration of music and life!
Last year also marked the birth of Iceland’s only contemporary pure disco band, Boogie Trouble. The band that’s prompted lots of ass shaking at their concerts this year are now going on a hiatus because some of their members are seeking higher education across the Atlantic. So they will be throwing a goodbye concert on August 17 at Gamli Gaukurinn. Supporting them is a roster of bands with at least one thing in common: Bjór, Babies and Bárujárn. Yes, they all start with the letter “B.” Given the b-theme, people whose name start with a “B” will get a discount on the entrance fee, but the rest of the alphabet should certainly show up as well.
Finally, you should note that Markús & The Diversion Session released a new EP in Lucky Records on August 15 and the first single from it, “Decent Times,” is way decent. Reminiscent of Pavement, with some hazy guitar strumming and Markús’ voice floating effortlessly atop in a style cross between Stephen Malkmus and Beck in his quieter moments, it’s catchy ‘90s lo-fi slacker rock at its best. And we are immensely digging the post-chorus mini keyboard solos courtesy of Steini Teaque (of Moses Hightower fame). If we ever get some sun in the final stretch of summer, this would be the perfect song to loaf around to in a public park.
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Straum.is has been active since last summer, with writers Óli Dóri and Davíð Roach documenting the local music scene and helping people discover the best new music. It is associated with the radio show Straumur on X977, which airs every Monday evening at 23:00.