The 13th edition of Iceland Airwaves recently took place between the 12th-16th October and – as usual – wowed everyone with a formidable display of local talent and a hand-picked selection international acts. Since most of the invited international media are still making their way home a lot of press is still to come, but a few dedicated folk have filed their pieces, like the lovely guys atStereogum, State and Thrash Hits. Photo fans may enjoy Paul Bridgewater’s great photo essays forThe Line of Best Fit, and there’s some decent eye candy over at the Iceland Chronicles too. Of course, the most comprehensive coverage can be found over at the ever-awesome Reykjavik Grapevine, who always go the extra mile to make sure the event is reported from every angle.
As for IMX staff highlights, they’re really too many to mention, but they included the wonderfulBedroom Community vs. Iceland Symphony Orchestra evening at the fabulous new Harpa concert hall, which included Valgeir Sigurðsson’s ‘Dreamland’ and parts of Daniel Bjarnason’s Processions; Sinéad O’Connor at the candle-lit Frikirkjan gave a suitably transcendent performance – during the songs she seemed completely transported, while between them she was as down to earth and dirty as ever, and John Grant’s show at Harpa was just sublime.
Iceland’s First Lady of Pop, Björk performed Biophilia, her latest creative tour de force, in the round at Harpa with a spirited female choir, marrying nature and technology together to provide a unique experience nobody could forget.Sóley’s dark-edged fairytales and haunting vocals were captivating, and shows by local staples like Mugison,Reykjavik!, Mammút – and Sin Fang were all top notch. We also saw a screening of Sigur rós’ fabulous Inni, part of the ‘Hangover Cinema’ afternoon on Sunday at the Nordic House — a perfect way to begin recovering after a riotous and inspiring festival.
Courtesy of: Iceland Music Export
Photo: Sigurður Ástgeirsson
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