Did you know that a third of the Icelandic population believes in elves? I’m starting to agree with them, or at least believe in some kind of otherworldly presence in the Nordic island nation. That’s the only thing that could explain the music of Sigur Rós, the legendary Icelandic post-rock three-piece, who formed in 1994. Well, it’s either elves or talent, hard work, and over 30 years of experience playing live.
All of these elements came together last night for a rousing, celestial performance of the band’s extensive back catalogue at London’s Royal Albert Hall. They opened with newer track Blóðberg, from 2023, which was the first single the band released following the return of multi-instrumentalist (and the band’s main keyboardist) Kjartan Sveinsson. As the band joined the orchestra on stage and the lights dimmed, a cloud of smoke appeared over the stage, illuminated by red light.
