Never got around to talking about this. Last Friday, Sigur Ros played their biggest show ever at Radio City. I'd say the place was about 3/4 full, which considering all of the events going on was a better crowd than expected. First, the Album Leaf opened -- I enjoyed them on a simple relaxing scale, but I don't know if they're the sort of band that would stick with me on a regular basis. They could have a great future making music for The Weather Channel, I think. Sigur Ros came out with a string quartet and were loud as all hell from the start of the show. This was NOT what I expected, and also not what my wife wanted to hear. She left after three songs, saying that she couldn't take it. I found it to be a mix of dull and enthralling, with some things that were meant to be dissonant but, when combined with the volume, were just annoying. The problem with reviewing SR is that you can't really say what was played. There was that long song that started slow and picked up, then there was that song that started really quiet and got really loud, that sort of thing. I wish I knew what they ended with -- it was spectacular, the sort of beautiful, layered, challenging sound that other bands would kill for. Anyone else there?
I saw them last fall at Variety Playhouse in Atlanta. It was a cool show, with the strings, and it wasn't as loud as what you experienced. It was frustrating not knowing what songs they were playing (and I wasn't at all familiar with () yet), so I know what you're saying. It was a bit dull in spots, but those moments didn't last long. My quandry is that they are back in town this week, and I'm not sure I want to go again. It's a different (not as good, in my opinion) venue, and I really don't know if I'll get anything more out of the it by seeing the same show again, you know?
Obie-- I'm told that the band had some serious problem with the sound (and local sound people) at your show...it's a shame, because their Beacon show late last year was absolutely amazing sounding, and what I can gather from your musical tastes--right up your alley. Apparently, this is why they prefer not to play bigger gigs, because things like controlling the sound end up in other peoples hands...the curses of success.
It was, at several points, literally deafening. The lead singer walked off several times to say something to the sound man.
I saw them in Boston at the Berklee Performance Center and I was absolutely amazed. I have never been to a show that sounded so amazing. BPC (at Berklee Scool of Music)is supposed to be one of the best places in the country to see a show. And I thought the band was amazing. Loved it. Never seen anything like it. And I wasn't even high!