Concluding the KEXP broadcast live at KEX Hostel for Iceland Airwaves 2013 is Icelandic singer-songwriter Ásgeir. His father is a poet and his brother a musician (in another Icelandic favorite, Hjatalin). He's not short on any of the family talent, and lucky for his listeners, an adolescent injury caused him to put down his athletic pursuits and concentrate on music.
He opened with "Higher", a song with featuring glitchy beats and delicate piano, his clear, angelic voice recalls Bon Iver's Justin Vernon. The next song, "Lupin Intrigue" featured sparse digitized beats, similar to UK artist James Blake. There was also live vocal manipulation on stage, sometimes reminiscent of Imogen Heap. Swelled into a beautiful, building interlude, and an even bigger, instrument heavy breakdown. Glitchy beats and stark, woodsy singing make for an interesting rustic/contemporary combination.
"On That Day" was a more folky, acoustically-driven song. "Going Home" was a crowd favorite, a little darker and with heavier, more atmospheric instrumentation. The final two songs complimented each other beautifully. "Nú hann blæs" was slow and ethereal, textured and synthy, and even though non-Icelandic-speakers can't understand what he's saying, it's not hard to notice his striking poetry. "King & Cross," the set's last song was more dancey, and quite understandably a crowd favorite. A spectacular end to a very enjoyable Airwaves broadcast.
On a rainy Wednesday evening, Annie Clark brought wonder and beauty to Seattle and to the Moore Theater with her St. Vincent return to our fair city. Both of the last times we've had the chance to see clark, it was alongside David Byrne, playing some original material, but mostly cuts from their co…
Every Monday through Friday, we deliver a different song as part of our Song of the Day podcast subscription. This podcast features exclusive KEXP in-studio performances, unreleased songs, and recordings from independent artists that our DJs think you should hear. Today’s song, featured on the Afte…
The penultimate act of the KEXP broadcast live from KEX Hostel at Iceland Airwaves was Icelandic yacht rock band Moses Hightower. Named for the character played by the late Bubba Smith in the Police Academy movie series, the band draws from a lot of influences, including funk, jazz, and psych.
