Grapevine New Music Picks: Gyða Valtýsdóttir, Ólöf Arnalds, Andervel & More

With a new issue of the Grapevine this week, we celebrate the impactful selflessness of Iceland’s Search and Rescue teams — specifically honouring the memory of Sigurður Kristófer McQuillan Óskarsson, who died during a team training session. Gracing the music pages are an in-depth interview with masterful troubadour Ólöf Arnalds and her latest album Spíra; a look into the elusive noise-rockers symfaux; and a track-by-track to Bríet’s Act I, led by the popstar herself.

We are holding out on the Christmas songs for as long as we can.

Gyða Valtýsdóttir — Mirror
Released November 11, music video out now

Classical-forward, multi-instrumentalist, composer and visionary (there’s so much more we could add) Gyða Valtýsdóttir’s latest single “Mirror” is a tender, wispy piece of music. Inspired by the artist’s belief in people being characters of the same, shared consciousness, “Mirror” is intended to — that’s right — hold a mirror against listeners, reflecting each person’s individual beauty. Check out the music video, released December 4, which features an appeareance by this list’s Andervel. JB

Jóhann Egill — RAF
Released November 21

Top lad Jóhann Egill has been on the Grapevine’s radar since releasing his pleasantly chaotic club track “RAINING CRYSTALS” in 2023. His sophomore LP RAF does little to stray away from his previous motifs, rather endorsing his ongoing proficiency in making infectious dance music. Here, the influence of GusGus runs wide and deep with endless looping beats and a craving for a good time. JB

Andervel — Ég finn
Released November 25

Mexican-born, Reykjavík-based artist Andervel continues his exploration of his two homes’ musical tradition. Folk-driven “Ég finn” opens up with a nod to a Mexican strumming pattern with Andervel singing in Spanish, swapping the distant references with an electronic rhythm pattern once the chorus hits. “Ég finn” is a globetrotting song which confirms, yet again, that music knows no bounds. JB

Ég finn by Andervel

Elín Hall — As The World Falls Down
Released December 4

Covering a David Bowie track from the wonderfully camp Jim Henson film Labyrinth, Elín Hall makes an attempt for synonymity with the late, great artist. Sans the now-hilarious 80s en vogue instrumentals (we’re looking at you, fretless bass), Elín instills her characteristic drama and depth to the soundtrack. Now in a modern rendition, “As The World Falls Down” is given new life, making it feel like a worthy theatre number. JB

Ólöf Arnalds — Spíra
Released December 5

It’s been a while since múm collaborator and artist Ólöf Arnalds released her last piece of music. To be exact, it’s been 11 years since her last album Palme came out. On Spíra, Ólöf Arnalds returns to her roots, spotlighting her mastery of the acoustic guitar and serene soprano singing. Spíra is equally heartwarming, gut-wrenching, inspiring and devastating, and leaves you feeling healed. You can read more about Ólöf’s new album in the latest issue of the Grapevine. JB

Spíra by Ólöf Arnalds