Saturday, November 23, 2024
Drew DoggettLive MusicReview

Live music review: Sigur Rós transformed Bass Hall into ethereal soundscape

On October 4, Sigur Rós transformed Austin’s Bass Concert Hall into an ethereal soundscape. Accompanied by the 40-or-so-piece “Wordless Music Orchestra,” the Icelandic trio provided an evening that transcended traditional concerts. Known for emotional depth and cinematic sounds, the orchestra gave new life to the band’s performance with grandiose arrangements, making this performance standout as a profound night for everyone to witness.

The evening was split into two acts with “Blóðberg,” setting a meditative tone from the start. The orchestra’s strings wove seamlessly through vocalist, Jónsi’s falsetto. The crowd, sitting in near silence, understood the assignment. The band flowed into “Ekki Múkk,” where the orchestra’s subtle contributions elevated the song’s quiet introspection.

Sigur Ros at Bass Hall

As the first set unfolded, tracks like “Fljótavík” stood out with its almost hymn-like quality, while “Andvari” felt like a gentle lullaby, with the orchestra’s strings and woodwinds wrapping around Jónsi’s voice. My highlight of the first set was “Starálfur,” where the synergy between the band and the orchestra reached its peak. The sweeping orchestration was honestly breathtaking, leaving the audience visibly moved.

The second set opened with “Untitled #1 – Vaka,” a staple of Sigur Rós’ live shows. With the orchestra in tow, the song took on an almost sacred quality. It was as if the music was cleansing the audience of any outside distractions and immersing them fully in the moment.

Tracks like “Untitled #3 – Samskeyti” and “Heysátan” showcased the band’s ability to create emotional landscapes with minimalist compositions. The orchestra’s role was subtle yet powerful, adding a richness to the already haunting melodies.

Sigur Ros at Bass Hall

The latter half of the second set featured some of the band’s most beloved songs. As soon as the iconic piano riff of “Hoppípolla” began, the audience softly let out a gentle gasp. With its soaring melody and euphoric climax, the musicians closed out the evening with a celebratory reminder of how the band’s music has scored the story so many lives, 19 years after the song’s release. The evening concluded with just the orchestra playing “Avalon,” a fitting end to a night that felt more like a spiritual journey than a concert. 

Sigur Ros 5 Drew Doggett

What made this show so special was the restraint and focus that Sigur Rós and the Wordless Music Orchestra brought to each piece. Rather than overwhelming the audience with a barrage of melodramatic arrangements, the orchestra enhanced the emotional subtleties of each song with space and silence, crating a dynamic interplay that was both expansive and intimate. The sparse lighting effects only added to the sense of immersion, allowing the music to be the sole focal point of the evening.

Sigur Ros 5 Drew Doggett

Bass Hall was the ideal venue for rendering every whisper and every crescendo. A proper theater is the best way to pay respect for the art Sigur Rós presents on the current tour with a full orchestra. The performance reminded us all of the power of live music to transport and transform. With the help of the Wordless Music Orchestra, the Icelandic music legends crafted a performance that was both grand in scope and deeply personal. It’s rare to witness a show that feels like more than the sum of its parts, but this was one of those rare nights where every element—band, orchestra, venue, and audience—came together. Sigur Rós proved why they are one of the most unique and emotionally resonant, actively touring bands in the world today.

All photos by Drew Doggett

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