Album Review: Ólöf Arnalds’ “Við og við”

Við og við, the debut album from Icelandic singer/songwriter Ólöf Arnalds, overcame much on its way to being released. Arnalds’ musical background stems from having been a member of experimental electronic band múm for many years, but it is on her debut album that she finds her sea legs as a solo artist. Originally released in 2007, Við og við - translation: Now and Then – has received much praise and recognition from various media outlets, including having been voted record of the year by Icelandic newspaper Morgunblaðið. Suffice it to say that nearly three years of anticipation in reaching the States helps in our evaluation – considering it more of a privilege than usual to have finally been allowed accessibility.

Melodically, we had fun envisioning a sort of Martha Wainwright/Tori Amos right brain fusion in the mad scientist fashion – with the new creation relying on the universal quality of music rather than conforming to an English-only ideal. Obviously, there is much more to it than that.  The album itself – sung entirely in Icelandic – is carried in part by assorted instruments and looming orchestrations. Arnalds’ accompanying vocals exude an understood longing that comes with any life experience. Therefore, her lyrics evoke empathy, conveying that no matter the circumstance or what differentiates us, we hold the capacity to relate.

This blend of comfort-provision, story weaving  and fellow feeling transmits emotion no matter one’s home language. With the album title’s translation in tow, our initial assumption was that themes would invoke present and past reflections, and for the most part we were correct. However, everyone’s interpretation of the human condition is different. While we were pleasantly surprised at the range of emotion the album had to offer, Arnalds’ reputation had already well-preceded her reflections. Color us overall content.

Við og við is available on One Little Indian Records.

Rating: 9/10

Watch: Ólöf Arnalds Plays Vittu Af Mér on East Village Radio

Tracklist

01. Englar og dárar
02. Í nýju húsi
03. Klara
04. Við og við
05. Orfeus og Evridís
06. Vittu af mér
07. Moldin
08. Náttsöngur
09. Skjaldborg
10. Ævagömul orkuþula