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The Fillmore May 2, 2001 Review by Swervie 18 seconds before sunset. This review was initially going to be about two lines, and go something like this... Question: What is the sound you will hear when you shuffle of this mortal coil? Answer: The Sigur Rós gig at the Fillmore. But I don't think Daz and Squid would find it the most appropriate of copy for the site. Not that what you are about to read is either. So I got to the gig with a feeling of anticipation that I have not had since I was a kid, this was after all Sigur Rós. A band that has released (in my humble opinion) one of the most beautiful soundscapes since A Storm In Heaven from Verve. So my expectation as well as those around me were high. As I bolted to the merch table with cash in hand I was given the terrible news that they only had large and XL shirts. What's with the baggy thing? I highly doubt any kornbizkitheads would be there. How about something that does not require being worn with Hurley shorts and a wallet chain guys? I digress into the front row I go! Opting to go with no opener, and avoiding the self indulgent all-band DJ set we have had to endure from a few of the last import acts to grace our fair city, Sigur Rós were rumored to be playing a two and a half hour set. So after an extensive 5-minute group hug they went on at 8:30 on the dot. With the opening drone of bowed guitar that gave way to the massive drum beat of Ny' Batteri the evening was off to "a good start" (pun intended). It was all I could do to keep from bursting when Jonsi hit the first massive note of Sven-g-englar a mere three songs later, proving they are far more than the next big thing hyped all across the country. The wall of sound (a played out but accurate phrase) that Sigur Rós created live was far less volume oriented than I had anticipated. I could barely hear them over my tenitis but breathtaking none the less. They had such an intense focus on each other which made the evening seem more like a recital than a concert. The crowd, unlike several other shows lately, was very respectful and appropriately enthusiastic during and in between songs. The vocal prowess of Jonsi left many people in disbelief that he can really do that. Believe me. He has the skills to make even Thom Yorke piss his pants and not to mention the hips to make Jonny Greenwood cry! In addition to the four band members, Sigur Ros brought along a string quartet that they managed to do more with than Metallica or the Scorpions could do with a whole orchestra. Speaking through clenched teeth used to fight back the waves of nausea, it was reported later that Lars Ulrich of Metallica was there, if it was not for Napster that ass hole probably would never have even heard of them. Yeah just keep tellin' yourself your not going bald you greedy fuck! OK, OK I am off the soapbox. Back to our narrative. Midway through the set the only words spoken to us included thank you an introduction to vocal guest Steindor Anderson who sang a rendition of two Icelandic medieval chants known as rimnamenn. Following that up with a few unreleased numbers that left me wanting to run out and track down anyone smart enough to bootleg the show, the band ended it's set with a stunning version of Olsen Olsen, less the choir on the album, which brought me to tears. Returning a few minutes later after I had moved to the back of the theater to make my getaway (hey I had to rock that night too) Sigur Rós began their two song encore that I was unfortunately to distracted looking for Squid and Daz to remember the specifics. Realizing the crowd probably was not going to let them leave for another two hours, the band ended the set in the only way they could by triumphantly toppling the drum kit Keith Moon style. Returning to the stage for a traditional theater bow, Sigur Rós gracefully bid us a fond farewell. Ahh yes, the power of rock Iceland style! Cheers kid's, Swervie |