Who to see at Iceland Airwaves 2023: Meet the bands enjoying for the primary time | Preview

This indie rock outfit is the alter ego of Magnús Arnar Thorlacius, a self confessed cat daddy who reached out to fellow cat daddy Yngvi Holm to assist him with Myrkvi (Eclipse or Darkness). Magnús had competed in and received Músíktilraunir in 2014 along with his buddies as Vio, and Yngvi equally joined that venture just a few months later. That act had just a few hit singles and was nominated for the Icelandic Music Awards, however they misplaced the momentum and fizzled out just a few years in the past. In the meantime, Myrkvi has been choosing up steam, having launched album Reflections in 2020 based mostly on outdated Vio music concepts, and has simply this October launched their sophomore album Early Warning.

Describe your sound

I generally really feel like we fall in-between genres. My roots are in people music and the classical guitar, whereas Yngvi is extra of a shoegaze-head. We’re each very a lot into indie rock, although, and the neo-psychedelic scene in Australia. Our music is all the time spiced with a wholesome dose of pop too. Someone as soon as described it as placing Pearl Jam and Sigur Rós right into a blender, which appears like a practice crash however is definitely form of cool. I normally write the songs however loads of the soundscapes, particularly on the upcoming album, are impressed by Yngvi’s mesmerizing guitar wizardry. Our present sound is one thing of a mixture of the rock we listened to rising up within the 90s and 00s, and the jangly slacker stuff and psychedelic pop of at present.

Why ought to we come see you at Airwaves?

We’re going to rock your world. Will probably be packed, large, and the environment goes to be tripping. We’ve one hell of a program ready for you. You don’t want to overlook this. The album can have dropped only some days earlier and this would be the kick-start of one thing unimaginable.

Who else do you suppose is making essentially the most thrilling music in Iceland proper now?

There’s a lot to select from and the scene is as vibrant as ever. Off the highest of my head I can point out JFDR, Kári, Árný Margrét and Laufey, in addition to our buddies in Andy Svarthol, Warmland, superserious and Axel Flóvent.

What’s one of the best ways for a vacationer visiting Reykjavík for the primary time to get the genuine native expertise?

I believe going to Iceland Airwaves is sort of a great way to expertise the native environment! The locals, the vacationers, the bands, and the music enterprise, all mingling collectively in varied venues and bars in Reykjavík is de facto one thing particular, and doubtless among the finest methods to get to know the locals. Everyone seems to be additional pleasant and outgoing in the course of the competition. Going to concert events and artwork exhibitions at different occasions in the course of the 12 months can also be a great way to expertise one thing genuine in Reykjavík. I believe Icelanders are fairly reserved typically, however everybody can all the time admire individuals exhibiting as much as expertise the native tradition. One might additionally go to a neighborhood sports activities match.

The place ought to we go in the course of the day to nurse our Airwaves hangover?

That’s a great one! I’m a giant fan of Lóla Flórens, a comfy café that additionally sells second-hand garments. A basic native trick is to go to the swimming swimming pools. There is a wonderful one downtown known as Sundhöll Reykjavíkur. That’s additionally simply a good way to get to know the locals. My finest pal is relationship a woman he met when hungover within the scorching tubs of this actual swimming pool. One might additionally stroll to Vesturbæjarlaug, one other widespread swimming pool, and seize a burger at Hagavagninn afterwards. You might even cease at Melabúðin, a neighborhood favorite, on the best way to purchase some groceries. No alcohol is offered there although, thoughts you, it’s only offered in particular state-run shops. If you wish to skip the hangover and go straight to consuming once more, I can suggest the all-you-can-eat-and-drink brunch at Bastard. That can get you nicely over the hangover and even perhaps slightly additional.