“Blóðberg” by Sigur Rós

I was surprised last week when the first new single in seven years from one of my favourite bands of all time, Sigur Rós, hit my inbox. Then I was shocked when on Friday, they dropped a whole dang album, ÁTTA.

The new song, “Blóðberg” marks the return of multi-instrumentalist Kjartan Sveinsson to the band, joined by frontman Jónsi and bassist Georg Holm. And to tease their upcoming orchestral tour, the nearly-ten-minute song features the London Contemporary Orchestra conducted by Robert Ames.

It is exactly as gorgeous as you would expect from the Icelandic band being joined by an orchestra, and is just a hint of what you’ll hear on the full album. Unfortunately, their sold out orchestral tour isn’t making its way up to Vancouver, but you better believe I already have tickets for the Seattle show.

Check out the beautiful video for “Blóðberg”, directed by Johan Renck, below!

Kirk

“Be A Man” by Adam Mah

I always hated the phrase “Be A Man” and that’s exactly what Vancouver artist Adam Mah addresses in his new song.
It’s about “challenging the stereotypes of gender roles he experienced growing up”, and the track is off his upcoming album Year Of The Dog, out on June 23.

You can catch Adam on the Burrard stage at the Khatsahlano festival on July 8th at 1:30pm.

Christine

“After Effect” by Taxi Girls

Just last week I was wondering what was up with Montreal band Pale Lips… and then literally days later, I get an email for new music from Taxi Girls, a new band featuring members of Pale Lips!

Their new single “After Effect” keeps the same high energy, punky vibe. It’s off their debut EP Coming Up Roses, due out July 7. And based off this single, it should be a fun time!

Kirk