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Album reviews Music

Jonsi

Rating: NNN

What do you do when you’ve got a huge backlog of unreleased songs? If you’re Jonsi or Birgisson, you make a solo record out of all the stuff that doesn’t fit with Sigur Ros. Gone are the 10-minute floaters found on his Icelandic band’s albums, replaced by Jonsi’s more positive, sugary pop songs that still blend in a fair share of ethereal electronics, folk elements and the good old darkness found on Kolnidur.

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Expert arrangements come courtesy of classical composer Nico Muhly, who deftly layers strings, winds and percussion to deliver satisfying fullness. The album’s biggest flaw is that Jonsi’s opted to sing in English. Sure, we can now understand his lyrics, but hearing about people riding bikes, making out and just gallivanting about derails the experience.

Top track: Kolnidur

Jonsi plays Sound Academy April 30 and May 1.

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