Amiina
Kurr (Ever)
By Rebekah Meek
Published: August 1st, 2007 | 9:52am
Amiina is elegance personified. The quartet that started as a supporting band for Sigur Ros has clearly defined a place for themselves with their debut record Kurr. From the first whispers of bells to the hushed ending, the songs take you through your imagination's landscapes. It is a soundtrack for dreams, where nothing is linear but instead each held together by one consistent pitch or tone; vocals and various instruments may come or go, but that thread is always there.
Each track starts almost silently and is constructed around a core base of cello, violin, and viola. They are complemented by a variety of instruments not traditionally found in a string quartet including a musical saw, a theremin, and a harmonium. Vocals on the tracks are rare, but are striking when they appear such as the haunting chorus on "Kolapot."
And while each individual composition is a part to the greater whole, a few stand on their own as well. "Seoul"s glockenspiel and ambient tapping sounds layered on top of almost mechanical melodies is an arresting juxtaposition. The bright sparkle of the harpsichord on "Lori" backed by a dampened drum roll make it one of the most unique tracks.
What's most stunning about this record though is the contrast between the acoustic and the electric manmade. "Hilli" is a prime example of this, plucked strings carry through the song but are alternately complemented by sweeping vocals and what sounds like a theremin. Amiina strikes a balance between the two with swift grace marking this debut as one not to be missed.
Issue #35
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