Photographs: Ama Chana

Unfairly maligned as coffee-table bland-merchants after the BBC commandeered their back catalogue to score every trailer on the network, there’s still tons of evidence to suggest Sigur Ros’ sweeping post-rock crescendos stand head and shoulders over their many imitators. Although even the most ardent of fans must admit they stick doggedly to a tried and tested formula, it’s a formula that undoubtedly works- as is proved beyond doubt tonight.

Westminster Methodist Hall provides an intimate, plush setting that works well in conjunction with the Icelanders’ often mellow soundscapes, and even though the set-up of the venue deprives them of their awe-inspiring visuals they’ve still got enough crowd-pleasing tricks up their sleeve to wow the audience. An unexpected burst of confetti during ‘Með Blodnasir’ and the emergence of a fully-dressed up brass band during ‘Se Lest’s’ climax are particularly delightful, and add a lighthearted touch to a band so often (wrongly) typified as humourless bores. Continue Reading