LÓN, Ári Arelíus, Between Mountains & Jónas Sig

It’s officially summer now, and while the weather is still decidedly chilly, The Reykjavík Grapevine has the hottest new tracks for your listening pleasure. See what we did there? Pun intended, we’re all about it.

All of these tracks – and many more The Grapevine has brought to you over the past twelve months – are available in our New Music Picks 2021-22 playlist.


LÓN – “Drift”

“Drifting” is LÓN’s third single ahead of their next album which will be released on May 15th. The trio, led by vocalist Valdimar Guðmundsson, are all old hats of the Icelandic music scene, but are generally associated with a more rock vibe. LÓN, on the other hand, seems to seek a laid-back American vibe. In that vein, “Drifting” is a gentle meditation, rich in harmonies and featuring a well-crafted, layered sound. LÓN was a confinement project and the musicality of their production reflects this; there is a sense of slowing down, of focusing on quality over quantity and indulging in nostalgia. JJ


Ári Arelíus – “Sól”

Whimsical and mischievous tunes come out of Ari Árelíus’ new single, “Sól”. Slightly distorted guitar solos give us rock vibes, but his jazz background shines through here, and in a very exciting way. Multiple instruments create unlikely “friendships”, skillfully coordinated by Ari, creating a playful, dynamic and upbeat musical journey. I challenge you to listen to “Sól” on one of those rough mornings, as you grumpily grab your caffeine, and I guarantee you’ll be energized and buzzing in no time. PA


Between Mountains & Jónas Sig – “Það er á vorin”

“Það er á vorin”, or “It’s Spring” gives hope that spring has indeed arrived, even though the single was released on the first day of Icelandic summer. The collaboration between Between Mountains and Jónas Sig is a real reverie of a spring that always comes after a long winter. This is the first song from Between the Mountains in Icelandic and, interestingly, the lyrics were written by the artist’s grandmother 40 years ago. The single’s cover is a beautiful watercolor by Erin Diane Kelly. IZ

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