Words by

Óli Dóri and Davíð Roach

We just got our hands on the debut LP from A&E Sounds. It’s an impeccably produced collection of dreamy psychedelic ghost pop that travels back and forth between the upper and bottom registers of consciousness. The soundscape is mainly made up of light acoustic strumming, woozy organs, twanging slide guitars, slow-moving drones and reverb-drenched vocals mumbling lyrics of bleak existential despair. It’s an atmospheric soundtrack for a road trip in the desert with a few pit stops in ghost towns. The album is a vinyl-only release that is beautifully designed by the band’s progenitor Þórður Grímsson, formerly of Two Step Horror, and is accompanied by unique artwork for each of the album’s tracks. You’ll find the album in every respectable record store, and the band will be hosting a release party and concert on August 28 at Boston (the bar). A&E Sounds also released a mind-expanding music video for the track “Sunday Driver,” which was made by visual artist Jonathan McCabe and draws inspiration from the mathematical equations of Alan Turing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tidyeJdXkgk

Even though electronic musician Skurken has been active for over a decade now, he shows no signs of ageing on his latest single, which bears the beautiful title “Straumur” (like our dear web-zine and radio show). It starts off with the sound of running water, before a micro beat kicks in and an ocean of melodies and warm synth pads wash over your head like a slow-motion waterfall. It’s the first single from his forthcoming LP ‘Nónfjall’, which is out in the beginning of September on the mighty fine electronic label Raftónar. You can hear Skurken’s “Straumur” and watch the accompanying music video on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UApMDBD4Z0o

We are starting to get really pumped for Iceland Airwaves festival, which is happening on November 4-8. Earlier this week, the festival announced its full lineup, which includes exiting international acts like Ariel Pink, Battles, Beach House, Hinds, Kero Kero Bonito, Mourn, QT, and Skepta (and many more!). The festival will close with a grand final party at the Vodafone Hall on Sunday night, where the wonderful electronic wizards of Hot Chip will perform, among others.

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Óli Dóri and Davíð Roach document the local music scene and help people discover new music at www.straum.is. It is associated with the radio show Straumur on X977, which airs every Monday evening at 23:00.