Grapevine New Music: Hjálmar, Bríet, Birnir & More

With Iceland AIrwaves firmly planted in the rearview mirror, we can focus on more pressing matters: discovering great Icelandic music. If you couldn’t make it and wish you were there, how about reliving the experience through our staff diaries? Next year, keep your eyes peeled for the names of these artists on the festival’s lineup. If you don’t have time for the reading and much prefer listening, subscribe to our weekly-updated playlist.

Hjálmar — Vor
Released November 7

Reggae is a surprising hit among Icelanders. Hjálmar have steadfastly proven that with their own interpretation of the genre, blending their own Nordic tinge to the Caribbean sounds. “Vor” is the band’s first release in two years, imprinted with the band’s signature smooth groove and sunny outlook — a polar contrast to the impending winter. JB

Birnir — Win Win
Released November 8

At the moment — and for the last few years — hip-hop artist Birnir is the apex of Icelandic rappers. Still living down the wildly successful Bushido in 2021, Birnir has had a busy year, collaborating with pop artist Bríet for their bombastic 1000 orð. “Win Win” is the artist’s debut single from his upcoming album, hitting top marks concerning swagger, attitude and vision. JB

Bríet — Takk fyrir allt
Released November 8

Following the same line as Birnir, Bríet’s 80s-influenced single “Takk fyrir allt” is her first release since the two collaborated on their May release 1000 orð. A long ways away from her acoustic guitar-based debut Kveðja, Bríet, the artist opts for synthesised strings and a rumbling electronic backdrop. Despite the song’s upbeat refrain and catchy hook, the magic seems to wear off by the 12th repetition. JB

Tófa — Mauled
Released November 8

Art punks Tófa’s latest LP is their first in eight years. Produced in collaboration with contemporary and electronic virtuoso Ólafur Arnalds, Mauled cooks up a spiral of frenetic energy through the course of its eight songs. Angry and somber, Mauled is a noisy, ferocious work of art that bites as hard as it barks. JB

Flesh Machine — Nothing Never Happens
Released November 15

The brainchild of musician Kormákur Jarl Gunnarsson, Flesh Machine’s indie performances have been rocking the Reykjavík underground for a couple of years. With several singles under their belt, “Nothing Never Happens” joins the list as their fourth. Mixing organic and synthesised sounds, the song’s arrangements promise moments of harmonic discord, introducing well-relieved tension under Kormákur’s tenor vocals. JB