Grapevine New Music: Milkywhale, ÁSDÍS, FLOTT & More

Tomorrow is election day in Iceland and, according to the polls, will either result in an alt-right government hostile to immigrants and refugees or a centre-right government hostile to immigrants and refugees. If we can confidently follow the trends on both sides of the Atlantic, we will either end up with a hideously misanthropic parliament or watch the feeble remainders of the left skydive in approval polls. What a time to be alive. Here’s some music to listen to while you wait for the ballots to be counted.

Milkywhale — Breathe In
Released November 21

Electro-dance duo Milkywhale are back! Their latest single ends the band’s five-year hiatus with a splash. Having taken part in the recent Reykjavík Dance Festival with their performance piece Hverfa, the duo rekindled their music-making with some new sounds partially composed for their dance performance. Milkywhale are set to release more music in the new year. Look out for a new issue of the Grapevine next week for an in-depth look. JB

rauður — prelude
Released November 29

Indie artist rauður has laid low since the release of her 2019 semilunar. Starting off her latest EP on a minor chord, prelude’s eclectic trio of songs each present a distinct atmosphere. “Don’t Touch” is a volatile, piano-driven hymn; “Hafmeyjusöngur” mixes in minimalist synthesised arrangements which slowly floats into the more Scandi pop-oriented “Treat me”. Within just a few tracks, rauður crafts a wonderful journey. JB

Synthea Starlight feat. Thoracius Appotite— The Synthea Starlight Album
Released November 29

Synthea Starlight’s extra-terrestrial music is a successful foray into ‘80s-influenced Italo disco-pop. Mixing it with intergalactic sounds, Synthea’s chorus of fabricated tones briefly transports the listener to another dimension where conversations are had through oscillation and transistors. Partly instrumental, The Synthea Starlight Album contains heavy impressions of Giorgio Moroder and Brian Eno, making for a wholly interesting listening experience. JB

ÁSDÍS — Touch Me
Released November 29

Berlin-based ÁSDÍS’ star has been rising for quite some time, amassing tens of millions of Spotify streams on some of her singles. “Touch Me” is her latest continuation of a successful pop career. Burning with physical passion and sexual tension, ÁSDÍS’ music is reminiscent of Dua Lipa and Katy Perry (on a good day). JB

FLOTT — Ó, Grýla taktu þér tak
Released November 28

One of Iceland’s most persistent myths related to the holidays is the story of Grýla, the mother of the 13 Yule Lads, who lives deep within Esja. She will snatch any unassuming child and eat it, while her pet giant cat only goes as far to devour kids who aren’t gifted a piece of clothing for Christmas. In their latest single, all-female soul-pop group FLOTT has a message for Grýla: get a grip, woman. JB