Sigur rós to release Valtari

Sigur rós - what valtari meansHave you heard? Sigur rós will be releasing a new album titled Valtari on May 28th. Valtari means road roller in Icelandic (like the one in the pic), it is also slang for a really strong shot of alcohol. [Edit: Some say the band translates “valtari” as “steam roller” which definitely sounds better but in Icelandic that would be “gufuknúinn valtari” or “gufuvaltari” which does not sound very well.] In Q, Sigur rós bassist Georg Hólm said that the album lives up to its name as “the music kind of just rolls over you. In a good way”. The song “Ekki múkk” which means “Not a sound” as in “I don’t want to hear another sound from you kid” can be heard in the accompanying video up above.

Valtari tracklist and what they mean in Icelandic.

  • 01. Ég anda (means “I breath”)
  • 02. Ekki múkk (means “Not a sound”)
  • 03. Varúð (means “Warning” or “To be on guard”)
  • 04. Rembihnútur (means “Untiable knot”)
  • 05. Dauðalogn (means “Dead still” as in “Dead still wind”)
  • 06. Varðeldur (means “Bonfire”)
  • 07. Valtari (means “Road roller”)
  • 08. Fjögur píanó (means “Four pianos”)

Following the release of the album, Sigur rós will be touring. See the tour dates here below as published on Consequence of Sound.

Sigur Rós 2012 Tour Dates:

  • 08/03 – Montreal, QC @ Osheaga Festival
  • 08/18-19 – Osaka and Tokyo, JP @ Summer Sonic
  • 08/24 – Paris, FR @ Rock en Seine
  • 08/25 – Winterthur, CH @ Steinberggasse
  • 08/28 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
  • 08/29 – Amsterdam, NL @ Paradiso
  • 08/31 – Stradbally, IE @ Electric Picnic 
  • 09/04 – Vienna, AT @ Arena
  • 09/05 – Ljublhana, SL @ Krizanke
  • 09/07 – Berlin, DE @ Berlin Festival
  • 09/09 – Isle of Wight, UK @ Bestival
  • 09/16 – Krakow, PL @ Sacrum Profanum
  • 09/17 – Krakow, PL @ Sacrum Profanum

Sigur rós - Valtari album and what it means

I’ve posted more gifs before from the Sigur Rós music video Glósóli.

I’ve posted more gifs before from the Sigur Rós music video Glósóli.

(Source: snowmoths, via kwaheri-deactivated20130212)

Sigur Rós playing Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust (With a buzz in our ears we play forever) at a small French café.

(Source: marianthe)

Anonymous asked: how would you say Bjork and Sigur Ros influenced the culture in Iceland?

I don’t think they have influenced the Icelandic culture very much. As I see it they are more the offspring of the Icelandic culture. Neither Björk nor Sigur Rós produce mainstream music, so they can’t be considered the most popular musicians locally. However Björk is a very respected person in Iceland and both the success of Sigur Rós and Björk contributes to most people’s national pride.

The greatest influence they have caused is opening a door to international fame. Eying the possibility of success outside Iceland is a great inspiration for young talents. The association of Björk and Sigur Rós with Iceland also aspiring talents a greater chance of getting noticed. Sigur Rós might still be a garage band if Björk had not paved the way. I’m quite sure that Björk’s success at least speeded up Sigur Rós’ success.

Another band that often is forgotten is Mezzoforte. Mezzoforte predates Björk and was perhaps the first band to become internationally recognized. Just as Björk and Sigur Rós they focused on an alternative music style, funk fusion jazz, and became a great success within their own niche. Their greatest hit was Garden Party in the early 80’s and they are still touring.