We here at the Grapevine believe in healthy balance. So, in honour of that philosophy, we present you with this Friday’s picks, which include the healthy balance of black metal, electronica and a shitload of Christmas releases. Don’t hate us, it’s just how the game is played. As a new December rolls into the year, promising more vacation days and less money in your bank account, new spins on true and tested material keep getting imposed on the listening public. Don’t forget to check out our playlist.
Múr — Múr
Released November 22
The eponymous debut from Múr, one of the most exciting metal bands coming up in Iceland, is a subversive bomb. Featuring long tracks, dramatic swoops of melodic electric guitar arrangements and highly interesting takes on black metal, Múr keeps you guessing at every turn. Its thick mass of black metal folds you into its sharp songwriting and clever construction, seemingly soft and hard at the same time. JB
Talos & Atli Örvarsson — Baltimore
Released November 22
This INNI-issued single from the forthcoming album Sun Divider, out December 6, is the posthumous release of musician Eoin French, known professionally as Talos. Sadly passing away earlier this year, Eoin’s death left devastated the local music community. Completed before his passing, the upcoming album is the first of three projects to be published. Baltimore is an effortless, comforting breeze of contemporary and electronic, substantiated by the organic cooperation between Talos and Atli. JB
Christmas Music Omnibus
Let’s be honest. November is way too early to start pumping out that cliché holiday music. But given that we’re nearing the end of November, we present you with some possibilities to add to your own holiday-themed playlists. Here are some that don’t suck ass.
Daði Freyr — How Daði Stole Christmas
Released November 8
Berlin-based electronic musician with a family-friendly edge turns Christmas songs into club-appropriate Europop. Not exactly “Berghain” but more like “taking your cousins to Skopp”. Daði includes some original compositions which are fun, too. JB
Árný Margrét — Happy New Year
Released November 20
The New Year’s festive celebration always has a different atmosphere, where the original holiday sheen of kindness towards your neighbours gets ushered away by a thirst for more booze. But if you want a more melancholic alternative to your annual “Auld Lang Syne”, consider “Happy New Year”. Just don’t blame us when you’ll inevitably fall asleep crying because you spent Christmas alone. JB
Magnús Jóhann & GDRN — Nokkur Jólaleg Lög
Released November 22
Jazz-educated pianist teams up with jazz-educated singer. Classic and traditional for when you want life to be as comfortable and picturesque as a Hallmark holiday title. Good stuff. JB
LÓN feat. RAKEL — Jólin eru að koma
Released November 22
Country-folk group LÓN joins Iceland’s most sought-after session singer Rakel Sigurðardóttir for a minimalist rendition of an Icelandic staple. Sweet and simple, it’ll make you yearn for a cup of Glühwein and a toasty hang by the fireplace. JB
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