Grapevine New Music Picks: Ólafur Arnalds & Loreen, Spacestation, Árný Margrét & More

AHHHH. That’s the sound of us welcoming these signposts of the oncoming spring. Have you noticed that it’s actually daylight when you wake up; the tweeting birdsong, and the hubbub of people out and about? It’s March baby, so put on your headphones and tune into this.

Ekkert heilagt — digital ísland
Released March 7

Digital ísland is a new group founded by familiar faces. Consisting of artist tatanja of ex.girls fame, Arnar Ingi (Young Nazareth) and  chart-topping producer Þórir Davíðsson (mistersir), digital ísland made their presence first known through strangely captivating social media skits. Dressed in plain office clothes, the trio waxed about being able to help with low self-esteem, boredom, and other ails of modern technocracy. The cure? Their ode to 00s Europop music, “Ekkert heilagt”. JB

In The Sound Of Breathing / Opening — Ólafur Arnalds, Loreen, SAGES
Released March 7

Watch out world, there’s a new supergroup out there. Iceland’s prodigal son Ólafur Arnalds teamed up with the Swedish two-time Eurovision winner Loreen. Despite the artists’ tenure with dance music, their latest single will probably not become the focus track of local DJs given its slow-burning quality. Still, there’s a certain effervescence sprouting in the two tracks, finally bursting in a string of Kiasmos-esque piano refrains and dance beats. JB

Loftið — Spacestation
Released March 7

Reykjavík’s favourite ruffian are at it again with their shenanigans, warming up the waters for their upcoming debut LP — out later in March. “Loftið” brings an MGMT-esque synth lead into the bands quintessential this-goes-up-to-eleven guitar rock. Like most of their peers, Spacestation cannot escape the influence of Irish rock band Fontaines DC, best exemplified by “Loftið”. JB

I Miss You, I Do — Árný Margrét
Released March 7

Regent to Iceland’s folk music crown Árný Margrét dropped her sophomore LP on March 7. Instead of the wistful and solitary songs exhibited on her debut they only talk about the weather, the 24-year-old takes one step further into the deep end with bolder arrangements. Exploring the limits of her sound, Árný opens her diary and heart to the listeners for an honest — albeit melancholic — journey through her early 20s. JB