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Sigur Ros:  Many haven't even heard the name, let alone the music. And quite frankly, I feel sorry for those people, because they are missing out on one of the most amazing bands to ever come out of the music industry. With a mix  of classical (with the use of a small orchestra) to electronic, ballads to rock, they cover all music genres (and quite brilliantly, I might add). Though it is nearly impossible to describe what the music sounds like, the best you can do is to imagine listening to something which brings in feelings of fear and joy, eeriness and warmth, and capturing the feeling that seeing Iceland's landscape would give you, all at the same time. 

The band--Jón Þor "Jónsi" Birgisson (vocals, guitars), Kjartan Sveinsson (keyboards), Orri Páll Dýrason (drums) and Georg Holm (bass)--manages to capture so many emotions in one song that seeing them live was just overwhelming. First of all, the venue itself was perfect for this kind of concert. The run-down ballroom was filled with chairs, and, looking to the side balcony, you could see the grey/blue sky and the occasional gull fly by like a flash of light. It was almost surreal.

I was actually quite surprised at the turnout. They aren't the most popular band around here, yet the show was sold out and people were standing and sitting anywhere they could find an empty spot. Candles were set up on the stage and after an anticipating wait, the band entered the stage. The usage of their instruments was incredible. First off, Birgisson played his guitar with a cello bow, which gave a really
interesting sound. In one song, Holm played his bass by tapping the strings with a drum stick. There were flutes, xylophones, violins and cellos all adding to the overall beauty of the sound they were creating.

For a couple of songs, a guest singer (from Iceland) stepped out, wearing a black suit, like it was an opera or something. Although he had a nice voice, I prefer Birgisson's over anything. It's a voice that's nearly indescribable--you really can't compare it to anything. And even though you can't understand a word he's saying (because he sings in Icelandic, and Hopelandish) it's still as beautiful as it ever could be. They played a nice mix of songs, from their first albums to their unreleased. Unfortunately they didn't play too many from their most credited 'Agaetis Byrjun,' (which translates to 'A [Pretty] Good Start') but I don't think anyone can complain about that. 

One guy yelled out "Starálfur!!," which was exactly what I was thinking, but they unfortunately didn't play it. Not that it mattered. Every other song was beautiful, no matter the omissions. But the one that really stood out was their last of the set, "Olsen Olsen," in which the flute and picollo were featured, and the end of which was so powerful that as soon as the last person was off the stage (each member exited at different times as their instrument ended) the entire audience rose to their feet and clapping filled the room.

The band came back for one last song (Birgisson replacing his terribly shredded cello bow), then again received a standing ovation. They came out again, lined up and bowed, then left the stage with the audience still standing and clapping. And the clapping continued until they came out again for a final bow. It was disappointing that they didn't play another song, but seeing the energy that went into the show, I don't blame them. But really, seeing their faces when they came for their bows was good enough. 
The smiles on their faces were priceless.

Seeing people during and after the show proved how moving it really was. There were some in tears, some with their heads down and eyes closed, and the rest were speechless. I've never seen any band have that much of an effect on so many people before. It still brings a tear to my eye when I think of it. Overall it was the most breathtaking performance I have ever seen. It was most definitely an experience that tops any other concert I've ever seen. And to be honest, I don't know if any concert I may see in the future will ever live up to that.  If you have ever seen Sigur Ros live, you'll know what I mean.

For more info, check out Sigur Ros' official web site at www.sigur-ros.com or  their unofficial site at www.sigur-ros.co.uk.