KEXP at Iceland Airwaves 2014, Day 1: Uni Stefson

Our third Iceland Airwaves performance at Kex Hostel was Uni Stefson, who shortened his name Unnsteinn Manuel Stefánsson for his first solo outing earlier this year. This solo project is a marked departure from his past eight years fronting electro pop band Retro Stefson. His new album, Enginn Grætur, is actually based on a 19th century poem that Stefánsson learned in grade school, with an evocative string arrangement for accompaniment.  The poem, Stöker ("Quatrains") by Jónas Hallgrimsson, as well as the album, both evoke Iceland's natural beauty. The new stuff isn't world party dance music, per say, but it sure sounds good.

The set opened with "Kyrie" and introspective synth cello, with a slow build to a fat electro bass line. Each group so far today has been quite different, but it is clear that electronic elements are big among Iceland's eclectic music scene. Stefánsson belted out Icelandic lyrics, switching effortlessly to a beautiful falsetto. What sets Uni Stefson apart from the pack became apparent on the second song, "Lamb", with a sort of blues or soul guitar line from Stefánsson. Another downtempo number, this one switched up the tone from a soaring ballad to a bit of a swaying beat. But electro elements from the keyboard and percussion players give the tune a modern feel. Stefánsson is a solid guitar player, and switched to a fuzzed out sound for solos. This trio puts out some big sounds.The crowd was a big mellower for this set, sitting in the front row and the back for the first time today.  It makes sense, though, as this was a more downtempo set overall. The third song, "Manuel", put Stefánsson's vocals front and center before busting in with a fat, funky synth bass and drums, giving the song a soundly danceable feel. This electro soul sounded very tasty indeed, and the syncopated drum lines gave it a bit of a hip hop feel. The fourth song "Enginn Grætur" slowed it down again with just keys and vocals. This was a set short on banter, with just a quick thanks in between songs. The final tune "Man Feelings" was sung in English, and it was another plaintive soul rocker with big synth elements and an almost electronic build with claps and beats. It made its way to a louder, rocking finish before Uni said another thanks and wished the applauding crowd a good Airwaves. He left the stage as the keys and drums slowly faded.

Stay tuned for Oyama live on KEXP next at 10:00AM PST. Find out more about our broadcast during Iceland Airwaves here.