Northern Geniuses

Fred and I bagged our favourite spot up at the back of the circle in Brixton Academy, armed with tea and chocolate, to see Sigur Rós. It was one of, if not the, best gig I've experienced. The whole evening was magical, from the moment the curtains rippled in with a northern lights effect (see blip) to the hearth-like, candle-like atmosphere of the lights. It felt like we were out there under the stars listening to the band around a campfire. It didn't matter that we didn't understand the words - the music pulled at all the emotions. The band members also stayed out of the spotlight, which made me concentrate on the incredible backdrops of mountains, rock, trees and skies. I think we had the best all-round view, seeing if from the back. Absolutely amazing. If you ever get a chance to see them, go!

Here are some highlights:
Kveikur - a new song from the band; I liked the sequence of lights, which the video doesn't quite capture
Varúð - this made me cry, about 3.22 in, when the lanterns are released from those little shadowy people on the screen at the back. Blimey. I'd never heard this song before.
Hoppípolla / Með Blóðnasir - the one from the telly
Untitled #8: Popplagið (love it when it kicks in after 9 mins in - gives shivers)

And if you don't wish to listen to the band in a gig state, just view this video.

Fred's cousin was also at the gig. She checked in on Facebook, but I was so enraptured with the band that we didn't manage to meet up. She's in Norway now and hopefully seeing the northern lights for real.