Grapevine New Music: Birnir & Daniil, Hasar, Júníus Meyvant & More

We’re getting into the pinnacle of the Icelandic calendar of traditions. It’s the upcoming trifecta of Bolludagur, Sprengidagur, and Ash Wednesday — or the advent of Lent. Although they don’t fall within the jurisdiction of official holidays, in the hearts and minds of the public they should be. Did you know that Iceland celebrates 16 official holidays? Why not just make it any easy number, like 20? For a soundtrack to Lent, click this button.

Hárún — Enda alltaf hér
Released February 14

Earlier in February, newcomer HáRún debuted with her single “Enda alltaf hér”. Rooted in indie-pop, HáRún focuses her attention on her voice and acoustic guitar — albeit with electronic accompaniment — creating a solemn composition. Produced by Nína Solveig Andersen (lúpína), HáRún’s debut is a promising start, with an album slated for release later this year. JB

Kristján Martinsson — 1035
Released February 21

Iceland-born, Netherlands-based pianist Kristján Martinsson is not afraid of steering away from tradition. His latest album puts our old pal Johann Sebastian Bach in a fresh perspective through technological innovation, mixed in with his original compositions inspired by that old goose. Instead of playing the piano like a boring old snob, Kristján reimagines Bach on a soft-pedal piano accompanied by MIDI manipulation. Somewhere between experimental and classical music is Kristján’s ideal environment. JB

Hasar — Gera Sitt Besta
Released February 24

Hasar’s explosive take on rock ‘n’ roll has not gone unseen — or rather, unheard. In fact, it’s almost impossible to turn a blind eye to frontman Örn Gauti’s flailing musical style, verging between alternative rock and 90s hardcore influences. Translated to ‘Doing your best’, the track is an ode to struggling artists when confronted with the question, ‘What are you doing these days?’ JB

Birnir + Daniil — Hjörtu
Released February 27

What happens when you put two aspiring heartthrobs in a room together? In the case of rappers Birnir and Daniil, you get a pink-laced, sweet RnB-inspired love song. In “Hjörtu”, the two wiseguys put their reputable toughness aside for a lovely serenade. We know Valentine’s Day was a few weeks ago, but these two can slide in our DMs any day of the year. JB

Júníus Meyvant — Raining Over Fire
Released February 28

We hear country’s back in vogue — and it sounds like Júníus Meyvant got the memo. This Westman Islands-born artist just put out his latest single, “Raining Over Fire”. The track conjures up an image of Júníus Meyvant getting a promotion in the chill-out department — laid-back, toes in the air, and easy like Sunday morning. Just pure weekend vibes, honestly. JB