The inessential 90's discography (Pt. 2)

22° Lunar Halo finds Sigur Rós in an even more ethereal and abstract mood than ever before. The record is the soundtrack to a taiwanese ballet and as such shouldn't be judged by the same standards as a pop LP. Some will bemoan the lack of typical songs, but fans of the Icelandic post-rockers will be happy to hear their trademark ambient crescendos and cinematic soundscapes. Aside from some poignant motifs and melodies that emerge from the dense but delicate aural waves, this is a mostly a textural affair and probably best appreciated in conjunction with the show it was made to accompany.

The record consists of two long pieces. The first track evokes images of cosmic explorations and metaphysical contemplations while the second, more percussive one brings to mind visions of tectonic shifts and the business of life on both macro and micro levels, like a less formal Philip Glass. At the end of the piece, the kinetic pulse and organic feel of the first half lead into some haunting chants that will be familiar to fans of the band and are the album's only concession to any sort of "pop" aesthetic.

It's a beautiful album that works as ambient music as theorised by Brian Eno but also stands the test of repeated, sustained, concentrated listening. However, its best use is most likely the one that it was designed for, one that unfortunately very few people will get to experience.

Genre: Post Rock

Release Date: April 13th, 2019

Label: Krunk

Rating: 8/10