Icelandic acts are expected to be either twee, twinkling oddballs or purveyors of soaring, stunningly orchestrated epics.
Múm guitarist and violinist Ólöf Arnalds had no such gimmick; her style was nothing more than just delicate folk guitar and mesmerising vocals.
Support came from young Thomas Milner-Smith, AKA singer-songwriter Poco Tiger, whose synth and electric piano walked the line between charmingly offbeat awkwardness and quirky irritation. Decent hooks cancelled out affected vocal tics and plain annoying references to Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp for an ultimately enjoyable set.
The headliner, though, was far less divisive. A small yet dedicated crowd lapped up the varied selection from Arnalds’ three albums alongside a wonderfully heartfelt Beth Gibbons cover. Incorporating Spanish and Americana influences on songs accompanied by Laurie Anderson/ Blonde Redhead collaborator Skuli Sverrisson, this made for an hour of perfectly therapeutic folk.
The obvious quality with this performance wasn’t anything strikingly different or ingenious. Lyrics were sometimes almost overly simplistic and reduced to extended “la-la-laa’s” at times.
But none of this mattered one bit when the sound was so polished and Arnalds’ joyful voice, singing in English and Icelandic, so endearing. With songs lovingly textured, it was immediately obvious why this talented performer’s grin seemed so infectious.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article