Grapevine New Music: Hatari, Diamond Dolls, Vigdís Hafliðadóttir & Villi Neto

Congrats! We’ve almost made it through the year, with only four weeks to go until January. For the Grapevine, that means our 18th and last issue of 2024 is out on the streets today. Filled with election night analyses — including a cover photo picturing two of Iceland’s most famous pundits — cultural coverage and music news. We examine Tófa’s latest album, Milkywhale’s comeback, and have a track-by-track run-through by Amor Vincit Omnia.

&louise feat. Óm — Muddy Waters
Released November 11

Formerly one-half of electronica duo East of My Youth, artist &louise debuted her new project earlier in November with “Muddy Waters”. Created in collaboration with producer duo Óm, “Muddy Waters” is a minimalist techno-influenced track capable of becoming an absolute stomper. Kudos to a clever artist name, given the person behind it is called Thelma. JB

Hatari — Breadcrumbs
Released November 29

I remember stumbling into Húrra one summer night and being caught completely off guard when Hatari suddenly appeared onstage. Leather-clad and dangerous, I then turned to my friend in the sweaty crowd shouting in disbelief, “WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?” Since then, the edgy sheen of Hatari has all but faded, morphing into a cruel caricature of themselves. Promoting their latest single, their Instagram was quickly filled with comments criticising the use of AI-generated art in their music video. Check it out for yourselves. JB

Diamond Dolls — There She Goes
Released December 1

It’s admirable seeing bands come up today working with a formula as enduring as the one rock ‘n’ roll offers. In this original track, Diamond Dolls channel the spirit of early ‘00s Kings of Leon and Dandy Warhols for “There She Goes”. Tight and tense, the song’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. JB

Vigdís Hafliðadóttir & Villi Neto — Hleyptu Ljósi Inn
Released December 5

I’m really trying to limit myself to the number of holiday songs, but sometimes a single with such a good jingle pops up, I feel inclined to talk about it. Comedians and musicians Villi Neto and Vigdís Hafliðadóttir channel the persistent ‘80s-feel characterising Icelandic Christmas into the song “Hleyptu Ljósi Inn”. Kitschy drum fills and decadent synth arpeggios, the duo’s message is simple: Christmas is the best. JB

Talos feat. Atli Örvarsson — Sun Divider
Released  December 6

BAFTA-winning and Grammy-nominated composer Atli Örvarsson joins the late, great, Irish Talos for the artist’s first posthumous release. A four-track EP, Sun Divider is pensive and gracious, opting for sombre movements and styles. This is Talos’ first of three releases after his untimely passing last August. JB