Post-rock/ Experimental rock/ Ambient/ Art rock/ Dream pop
By: Narissa Mathews
Photography: Fez Hussaini
Photography: Fez Hussaini
Hands down top favorite show I've ever seen. Mere words can not accurately describe the experience, but let's give it a go.
Growing up, I never had any friends my age that even knew who Sigur Ros was. I was completely surprised when I saw the amount of people attending the concert; the line to get into The Bomb Factory stretched down Canton Street. There were more people than I ever would have imagined inside the venue, filling every nook and cranny, anxiously waiting for the show to start. Sigur Ros played two-one hour long sets with a 20 minute intermission, no openers-just them. With the first half slowly building and the second half full of hard hitting favorites. This was my first time seeing Sigur Ros live and it was complete opposite of previous concerts I've been to. The first half was more mellow; chill yet powerful songs, laser lights pouring into the crowd, it created a very trance like vibe. Looking around and all the audience is standing still mesmerized by the performance, regardless if they can't understand Icelandic, all focus was on the band and not a single word was spoken during songs. Also, on a side note, everyone was extremely nice at this show. I'm 4'11 and usually have to squeeze through the crowd yelling "Dad?!" to get to the front so I can actually see, but everyone I was around offered for me to stand in front of them so I could see. Sigur Ros emulates a certain type of ambience which is clearly recognizable even in the fans.
Growing up, I never had any friends my age that even knew who Sigur Ros was. I was completely surprised when I saw the amount of people attending the concert; the line to get into The Bomb Factory stretched down Canton Street. There were more people than I ever would have imagined inside the venue, filling every nook and cranny, anxiously waiting for the show to start. Sigur Ros played two-one hour long sets with a 20 minute intermission, no openers-just them. With the first half slowly building and the second half full of hard hitting favorites. This was my first time seeing Sigur Ros live and it was complete opposite of previous concerts I've been to. The first half was more mellow; chill yet powerful songs, laser lights pouring into the crowd, it created a very trance like vibe. Looking around and all the audience is standing still mesmerized by the performance, regardless if they can't understand Icelandic, all focus was on the band and not a single word was spoken during songs. Also, on a side note, everyone was extremely nice at this show. I'm 4'11 and usually have to squeeze through the crowd yelling "Dad?!" to get to the front so I can actually see, but everyone I was around offered for me to stand in front of them so I could see. Sigur Ros emulates a certain type of ambience which is clearly recognizable even in the fans.
Music is part of my soul and I've seen countless concerts with a wide range of genres, however, I have never experienced a concert as on point as Sigur Ros. The sound and visuals alone were impeccable. The trio played in front of an LED screen with numerous LED lights surrounding the stage. Each note synchronizing perfectly with different light projections (at one point the bass hit so hard along with a big burst of light, it literally felt like thunder and lightening right in front of your face. Insane!), mixed with the emotions each song pulls from within you, truly gives the feeling of being immersed in the music. It's one thing to feel like one is surrounded by the music but it's a different level when you become immersed in the music, you could almost say it was a spiritual experience. I would be lying if I said I didn't tear up a couple of times. The absolute highlight of my night was watching them play Popplagið (aka Untiled #8 from the album). It's 15 minutes and starts out slow then builds to one of the most epic climaxes. With Jónsi's out of this world vocals and Orri's intricate, hard hitting drumming, it's a performance I will never forget. Sigur Ros has completely blown me away and I have the utmost respect for this incredible talented band.
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