Photo: WENN.com
There's no such thing as a casual Sigur Ros fan. It's everything or nothing with the Icelandic superstars - love them or hate them. Their first Brixton gig (of three) would have done little to win over the uncertain, but for their devoted London fans, the show was a near perfect live experience.
Never ones to play by the rules, Sigur Ros opened the show with a brand new song, the first of several given their first live airing on their current tour. 'Yfirborð' hints at a brand new direction for the etheral rockers, with electronic sounds worked into their distinct sound for the first time in their career. This sound was also heard on new track 'Brennisteinn', which boasts huge pounding beats and sounds certain to become one of the biggest tracks of the band's career, which is already a diverse and occasionally bizarre listening experience.
Watch Sigur Ros perform 'Brennisteinn' live at Brixton Academy
Audience interaction was kept to absolute minimum - and by that, we mean none. Not a word was spoken by frontman Jonsi to the audience during the 90 minute show, and it was a greater experience for it. The setlist wasn't a collection of fan favourites and album standouts, it was instead a carefully planned listening experience which flowed, swelled and dropped in meticulous style. In true Sigur Ros tradition the show was boosted by a spectacular visual display, mixing lasers, haunting video images and carefully throbbing bare bulbs surrounding Sigur Ros and their backing band on the stage.
Despite the carefully plotted atmosphere however, it was of course the big tracks that stood out. The spectacular 'Varud' from 2012 album Valtari growing into a crescendo of truely spine-tingling orchestral rock and the band's 'hit' single 'Hoppipolla' bringing a moment of pure joy to the enthralled and respectfully silent audience. Two-parter 'Festival' was a personal standout of the night, a track which perfectly balances the band's delicate side with their ability to make the heart soar, and showcases Sigur Ros' spectacular songwriting skills.
Watch Sigur Ros perform 'Festival' live at Brixton Academy
Less a gig and much more a live experience, Sigur Ros remained flawless throughout the entire show, prompting silence where necessary and rapturous applause when required. Whether their new electronic tracks or on those from their early albums, Sigur Ros remain one of the most ambitious and unconventional bands of all time. Long may their spectacular weirdness continue.
