There’s a lot to talk about here - this album is even more surprising than the first one. While it’s difficult to single out individual tracks, I’d especially highlight #5, #6, #7, and #8.
The climax of #6 is breathtaking, the crystalline piano sounds as if every note is piercing straight through your soul.
#7 features what is, in my opinion, one of the most impressive vocal endings in the genre. The performance is so powerful that it leaves you frozen in amazement.
#8 contains a climax that’s absolutely unique for the band, driven by an incredibly complex drum part and stunning countertenor vocals.
As for #5, it’s pure genius. The way the falsetto vocals blend seamlessly with the synthesizers, alongside the constantly shifting rhythm and perfectly placed bass slide, creates something truly special. It’s the most incredible track I’ve heard in this genre and one of my favorite songs of all time.
While this album may be slightly less diverse than Ágætis byrjun, it is, in many ways, even more impressive. Choosing the better of the two is something I simply wouldn’t want to do.
| 1 | Untitled ("Vaka") / 100 |
| 2 | Untitled ("Fyrsta") / 100 |
| 3 | Untitled ("Samskeyti") / 100 |
| 4 | Untitled ("Njósnavélin") / 100 |
| 5 | Untitled ("Álafoss") / 100 |
| 6 | Untitled ("E-Bow") / 100 |
| 7 | Untitled ("Dauðalagið") / 100 |
| 8 | Untitled ("Popplagið") / 100 |