Jón Þór Birgisson, known simply as Jónsi, has been half of the Icelandic band Sigur Rós since 1994. Marked by Jónsi’s falsetto vocals, ethereal instrumentation (bowed guitar anyone?), and lyrics in Icelandic (or Jónsi’s invented language “Hopelandic”), Sigur Rós developed a steady following outside of their homeland. In December of 2009, “Boy Lillikoi” began cropping up on radio stations as word got out that Jónsi was preparing a solo album. With lyrics like these

We all grow old, use your life
The world goes and flutters by
Use your life, you'll know you are
Use your life, the world goes and flutters by
Use your life, you'll know you are

Floating over an orchestral score, it marries the melancholy and nostalgia of growing older with the promise of retaining, or regaining, childlike hopefulness. It was the perfect teaser for the whole album. go is a walk through a luscious butterfly garden on a day that is just slightly warm. The orchestral accompaniment provides the soil where the roots anchor and allow the songs to explode into colorful blooms. Jónsi’s falsetto is the effortless breeze that carries the fragrance of the flowers and also whispers the melodies. Songs like “Tornado” and “Kolniður,” showcase Jónsi’s lower register. The entire album is gorgeous, wistful, fun. With Sigur Rós on a temporary hiatus for child-rearing, look for Jónsi on tour.

[Jónsi go]
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