(c) Ágúst G. Atlason / Gústi Productions
The cold winter islands are the perfect breeding ground for musical exploits. Aðalbjörn Addi Tryggvason (Sólstafir) and Ragnar Zolberg (Sign, formerly Pain Of Salvation) found themselves in an old house with a broken piano, in the midst of freezing cold, while simultaneously writing impossibly bright and somber music, the likes of which might only come from the subarctic can come. When Isafjörður (Eng. “Fjord of Ice”) they move somewhere between Post Rock and Dark Pop. On her debut “Jack of Hearts” seek and find their musical identity.
The grand finale of all things embodies the duo’s monumentally fragile individuality almost perfectly. At first, “Andvök” cautiously and deliberately gropes its way forward, only sluggishly rising from its reduced pop visions. No less hesitant vocals gain increasing confidence and finally reveal urgency halfway through the song. From the frustrated screams rises a mighty post-rock crescendo, short and to the point, then once more, deeply rooted in Nordic noir realms and shaped by austere and bittersweet beauty.
This rollercoaster of emotions runs like a red thread through large parts of this record. In “Heiðin”, for example, nothing happens for a very long time. The battered piano conjures magical melodies and indulges in frosty pop before Post and Dark slowly take matters into their own hands. Not for the last time, memories of Sigur Rós are awakened when enchanting worlds meet rough distortion. “Mín Svarta Hlið” pulls this through vocally and brings both worlds together. Sympathetic forgiveness collides with distorted wanderlust, and of course there is no result.
Despite the occasional pop touch, you have to work your way through “Hjartastjaki” because for the most part it has very little to do with what you would expect from the two musicians. The constant abyss, even in the friendliest moments, ultimately gives Isafjørd that proverbial certain something. Between chilling intensity and rugged descent, you never know where the next song will lead. Sure, you have to listen first, but Tryggvason and Zolberg reward this more than princely – a little treat for good headphones that takes you to the Arctic Circle.
Rating: 8/10
Available from: 02.12.2022
Available via: Svart Records (Membrane)
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Category: Magazin, Reviews
