Sigur Ros at the Riverside

Wednesday night Susan and I got the chance to catch Sigur Ros at the Riverside Theater (116 W. Wisconsin Ave.).  Unfortunately I couldn’t get out of work early enough to see the opening band, Amiina, but boy was I glad we had the opportunity to experience this phenomenal band from Iceland (!!).  The house was PACKED and, to be honest, it was quite stifling in there.  Combine that with a 10-hour day and some low, heavy, hypnotic – almost trance-like - music and, well frankly it was hard not to let my fatigue overcome me.  So in the time I was able to stay somewhat lucid and alert, I was able to scribble down some notes from what perhaps was the most unique and compelling concert/performance I have seen in a LONG time.  Their almost romantic sound reminds me of nothing I’ve ever heard – their beautiful tones rang almost operatic – expansive and hopeful . . . the eclectic nature of their ensemble (i.e. playing electric guitar with a bow, incorporating violins/cellos into the piece, which made it sound like an angelic chorus or something,  is somewhat reminiscent of German bands in the 80’s like Einstürzende Neubauten . . . Susan said they reminded her of Tuxedo Moon in the late ‘70’s and wondered why Brian Eno hasn’t shown an interest in the band . . . the backdrop alternated between beautiful mystical blue scenery with drifting smoke, grey clouds racing across the stage, and shifting black & white shapes . . . at times the “thump thump” of the percussionist sounded like a heartbeat (or maybe it was so silent in the theater due to the audience’s complete transfixion that it was my own); the lead singer had an INCREDIBLE range – he reminded me of Bright Eyes; Susan described his tenor voice as “seeming to be crying out in the melancholic pain of April . . . he personified the lust & longing of loneliness – he became a man alone on the pinnacle of a mountain, looking at the panoramic and lonely view” - very poetic (look at the effect it had on her, waxing lyrical & all . . .) . . . the unintelligible lyrics brought back memories of trying to sing along with the Cocteau Twins, only to find out later that they made up their own words;  it really was the most mesmerizing all-encompassing event I can remember for some time.  Unfortunately, the somber, trance-like, suffocating atmosphere got the best of my staying power and we reluctantly left to get some air and energy (or what was left of it).  On the other hand, however, I really give the Riverside a LOT of credit for hosting such an amazing and innovative band like Sigur Ros and can only imagine what other great acts they have in store for us . . .