Grapevine New Music Picks: KUSK & Óviti, Páll Óskar & Benni Hemm Hemm, & More

Every day, I check the forecast for the cooling signs of autumn. Still, the oracle manages to surprise me with double-digit temperature, leaving us all in a state of desperation for that crispy air. After a few months of not compiling the newest and most interesting Icelandic music, this latest collection features lesser-known gems, newcomers, and musicians all too accustomed to radio airplay. Never miss a beat in Icelandic music by subscribing to our Spotify playlist, which we unfortunately still depend on.

Númer 3, Kári The Attempt — Augasteinar
Released September 11

Truly in control of his craft, the prolific Kári The Attempt joins Númer 3 for a suave mix of jazz and hip-hop beats in “Augasteinar”. Here, Kári The Attempt — stage name of Kári Hrafn Guðmundsson — delivers a gentle hook on this pop tune dedicated to… eye stones. For fans of Moses Hightower, the feel-good rhythms demonstrate the stranglehold the FÍH-educated fusion group has on the burgeoning generation of musicians. BC/JB

Páll Óskar, Benni Hemm Hemm — Eitt af blómunum
Released September 12

Páll Óskar has been a dance club fixture for three decades. His first single with Benni Hemm Hemm is a dance track, but leans into a contemplative tone. Granted repeated listenings, there is depth here. As an album from this duo is on the way, this first track is a good omen. The Sexy Lazer remix, also released today, offers a compelling retro-inspired angle. BC

KUSK, Óviti — RÍFAST
Released September 12

Bedroom pop goes big with Kusk og Óviti’s Rífast, the title track from their name album. While the vibe is intimate, there is a big club/anthemic construction to the album.“Rífast” feels like a song that could perfectly close out a night at a large club in Reykjavík. Opening up with the colossal synth sound of “MEÐ KVEÐJU”, KUSK and Óviti are not fucking around. BC/JB

Gísli Gunnarsson — Heima
Released September 12

Grindavík composer Gísli Gunnarsson spent two years recovering from losing his home to a volcanic eruption. He described the experience of composing this, the first track from his forthcoming Úr Öskunni, about the experience of losing his home, as follows: “It was the very first thing I wrote following the evacuation, I was taking refuge in a small remote summerhouse, I was snowed in and unable to leave, and the uncertainty was overbearing, not knowing if I’d ever see my lifelong home again.” Understandably emotional, tender electric guitars crescendo into sonic shows of volcanic activity. BC/JB

Úr Öskunni by Gísli Gunnarsson