Absence creates longing for what’s important. And half a decade is more than long enough to develop a clear sense of what’s missing in life, like regularly experiencing epic post-rock live and in person. Luckily for those with a void where thoughtful, extravagant music once lived, Sigur Rós felt the call of performance again after five years of concert dormancy.
Since 1994, the group have established themselves as giants of their genre, which is categorized under the rather large umbrella of post-rock perhaps only because of its undefineable nature. Guitarist/lead singer Jónsi and bassist Georg Hólm have remained together all 28 years, however, long-time keyboard player Kjartan Sveinsson recently rejoined for the 2022 tour after his departure in 2013.
The Sigur Rós world tour made its very first USA stop at the Theater of the Clouds in Portland, Oregon on May 11th. The venue was entirely seated: probably the only appropriate way to appreciate the Icelandic band’s cinematic and gripping compositions. Without a seat, how can they keep you on the edge of it?
Masters of translating ethereal and emotional existence in to sound, Sigur Rós took the audience out of their bodies for a night. Their music may be most easily described as adventurous, because it explores all aspects of the sensory experience, from the meditative to the climactic.
The members maintained a comfortable harmony playing together. Despite acting only as a quartet, with no touring ensemble or auxiliary instruments, the command of a fully-formed and formidable sonic chemistry was evident between them. Frontman Jónsi’s angelic voice remained powerful and untarnished by time, sustaining smooth falsetto as skillfully as the band sustained ambience and sentiment. His stage presence prevailed energetic and strong, undeterred by an obviously timid disposition.
Accompaniment to the music included artistically-arranged hanging cables amidst synchronized light bulbs on stands, all backed by vast LED imagery and stage lights. When the visual supplement of a show can match the grand essence of the auditory attraction, that synergy can achieve a result much more significant than your average gig. For this all-around extraordinary and unforgettable production, we say “Takk… Sigur Rós.”
