The otherworldliness of Iceland's landscape is never lost on those who live or travel there. Not just a land of fire and ice, it is also a land of light and dark, starkness and majesty, community and isolation. The only thing that isn't a wonder about Iceland is how artists of all kinds echo its unique beauty in their own work. Upon moving to Reykjavik, former Bay Area musician Ryan Karazija inevitably traded the sunnier vibes and swelling melodies of his previous band, Audrye Sessions, for the rich atmosphere, deep introspection, and epically grand sounds of Low Roar. Just before we ourselves headed out to Iceland for KEXP's broadcast during Iceland Airwaves, Low Roar returned to the West Coast, as touring support for Ásgeir, and stopped by our studio. Prepare to enter a dynamic world of beauty with Karazija, and bandmates Logi Guðmundsson (drums and keys) and Leifur Björnsson (keys and samples), as they transport soggy Seattle to the glacial expanse of the alluring arctic nation.
Not surprisingly, a country known for its epic landscapes like Iceland also produces similarly cinematic music, like that of Kiasmos. The breathtaking sound of this new duo, featuring composer Ólafur Arnalds and Janus Rasmussen (also of Bloodgroup), was the perfect intro for the first day of KEXP's…
Despite the recent years of turmoil that almost resulted in a break-up, the beat goes on for Brooklyn band The Drums. Now stripped down to founding members Jonny Pierce and Jacob Graham, it's been a three-year wait for their latest album, Encyclopedia, out now on Minor Records. As Pierce notes hims…
Our third rocking set from Iceland Airwaves at Kex Hostel was Dublin droning noise act Girl Band. This younger Irish band has no girls, nor do they sound anything like the poppy sound their name might suggest. Instead, this four piece is driven by Adam Faulkner's fast, energetic drums and loud, Dan…
