Sigur Rós

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2017-10-13 DE – Cologne - Palladium

In 2013 I saw my very first SIGUR RÓS concert, a magic and otherworldly experience that made it into my top five of the greatest live shows ever. Back then, it was kind of a double feature with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds at the Mitsubishi Electric Hall in Düsseldorf, Germany. Four years later the same magic happened, just at a different place for SIGUR RÓS. Unfortunately.

Only one day after the mind-blowing Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds show in Düsseldorf I hit the roads again towards Cologne for SIGUR RÓS. This show was sold out as well and the Icelandic trio likewise did it without a support act. Instead, SIGUR RÓS announced an extended two-part set with a 20 minutes break in between.

:: pics :: SIGUR RÓS ::

Of course, expectations were high. SIGUR RÓS are known for wowing their fans with an awe-inspiring performance and a lavish light show. Once, one has seen such show, the bar is set high for every show to come afterwards.
Four years later the live setting has changed significantly. SIGUR RÓS meanwhile shrunk to a three-piece and tour without additional musicians. No strings, no wind section. Though, I knew I would experience another breathtaking concert evening.
With a slight delay lights went out and drumming rhythms began to resound, while dramatic landscapes flickered over a large screen behind… :: SIGUR RÓS :: kicked of their set with Á, a brand new song from the upcoming eighth album. The first part of the show is a set of rather calming and atmospheric songs taken from their back catalogue as well as new material.
Unfortunately, there was not that much to see, as the :: Palladium :: is a tubular venue with many steel pillars along its long sides. You only had a chance while standing in the first third. That was really a pity, especially due to the extraordinary light show. On the other hand, a SIGUR RÓS best enjoyed best with closed eyes. And so it happened around me. I saw so many fans with closed eyes and gently swaying like a bamboo forest in the wind. There was something ritualistic about the show, something cathartic.
Unfortunately, again, there have been a couple of dorks discussing loudly their personal sentiments and disturbing hypnotized fans… *grrrr*.

The music of SIGUR RÓS with its mysterious language and the ethereal falsetto of Jonsi Birgisson is of a sonic beauty. Transcendental. Unreal. Divine. Amplified by awe-inspiring visuals of Icelandic landscapes and volcanos, stars and galactic extravagance. Surprisingly, there was no song from the current album Kveikur but more new ones with Niður and Varða.

Setlist 1: Á, Ekki Múkk, Glósóli, E-Bow, Dauðalagið, Fljótavík, Niður, Varða

After a well-timed intermission we were treated to Óveður, another new one, with SIGUR RÓS hiding between two curtains. Óveður seems to mean “storm” or “thunderstorm” and was accompanied by a flashing inferno. The first curtain got pulled and we photographers got a chance to do our job from afar (as we were put aside the mixing desk).
The second part turned out to be more dynamic and harsher. Again, I was able to experience a cleverly built dramaturgy over the entire show. The sonic power increased track by track, piled up to ultimately erupt in the gruff Kveikur, to be calmed down and smoothed by the gentle Popplagið.

Except for the debut, all albums were considered, specially focusing on the 2002 masterpiece ( ). The new tracks definitely passed the test with flying colors. The show was for sure once again exceptional, sublime and mesmerizing. But… it didn’t match the one in 2013.
Now, I’m much looking forward to the new album, announced to be released in 2018. And I hope to see them live again in less than four years.
Those, who weren’t able to see them on this tour or won’t wait too long… SIGUR RÓS will curate (and be featured) the NORÐUR OG NIÐUR FESTIVAL, taking place end of the year (December 27-30) in Reykjavík, Iceland, with a spectacular array of bands and artists.

Setlist 2: Óveður, Sæglópur, Ný Batterí, Vaka, Festival, Kveikur, Popplagið