Cool as the Icelandic snow

Sigur Rós has always done well stateside, despite the fact that no one can understand lead singer Jónsi Birgisson’s Icelandic lyrics.

Whether it’s through the soaring instrumentals or simply Jónsi’s high-pitched, angelic voice, something about Sigur Rós’ music just makes you want to sit in a beanbag chair for hours.

“Valtari” is no different. Opener “Ég Anda,” which translates to “I Breathe,” is a breath of fresh air and sets the tone for the album. Slow and steady, it moves on. “Ekki múkk” has a very similar sound to Jónsi’s solo song “Boy Lilikoi,” and “Varðeldur” is a reworked version of “Lúppulagið” from 2011’s “Inni,” a moving live album.

But these songs never come across as stale or uninspired. The effect is quite the opposite. These songs feel, along with the rest of the album, like a chat with an old friend.

By Jonathan Streetman