When a band releases an album with a title consisting of two parentheses, no song titles, lyrics that consist of the singer’s own invented language, and no liner notes of any kind, there is no possible way they can avoid being criticized by some as pretentious. If Sigur Ros’ third album ( ) weren’t one of the most moving and beautiful works of music this year, the backlash might have been endless.
But the unconventional album title and lack of information is forgotten once the gorgeous piano and Jon Thor Birgisson’s soothing falsetto appear in the first track. ( ) is an even more surreal affair than 1999's wonderful Agaetis Byrjun. The eight songs float by like an enjoyable dream, albeit an emotionally draining one.
The very ambient, sometimes minimalistic, tone of the album might elicit claims that ( ) is a tad boring. It might become slow in a few spots (see the fifth track), but the album’s high points more than make up for whatever slow spots the listener hears along the way.
The album is also a darker affair the previous release. The second-half of the album ends with two foreboding, yet gorgeous tunes that reach intense peaks by the time they come to a close. ( ) is less accessible and the dark finale leaves the listener on a disheartening note as opposed to the band’s previous release.
What made Sigur Ros so successful the last time around is still present in ( ): Jon’s bowed guitar, the moving strings, the delicate piano, and Jon’s voice. I read a review of this album in which the reviewer said Jon uses his voice more as an instrument this time around, and I wholeheartedly agree.
This album will take a while for the listener to absorb. Track four hints at reaching a climax, but never does, but the track works all the more astoundingly because of this. The sixth track is more characteristic of the kind of formula present on the band’s 1999 release moving very quietly until it explodes into an amazing peak.
( ) is sure to have its share of detractors, but one must allow ( ) some time. Whether it surpasses Agaetis Byrjun is up to the listener, but it’s without question one of the most beautiful albums released this year. |
