Jonsi - Go review

Hearts were shattered at the tail end of 2009 when Sigur Ros announced they were entering a hiatus. From the dust, seemingly instantly, emerges Jonsi’s solo project. Setting aside ambience in favour of the playful sounds of the first half of Með suð, Go is an instantly loveable record from one of our generation’s greatest talents. The likes of Go Do and Boy Lilikoi can only be described as innocently colourful pop songs with the unique twist of Jonsi’s high-octave vocals. The slower and more anthemic songs such as Grow Till Tall and Kolinthur add dimension, providing scope and accessibility for the most hardened of Sigur Ros fans, whom were raised on the melody of Staraflur. Jonsi may have always been the creative forefront of the main band, but this is a strong artistic departure, with English lyrics even being adopted over his native tongue. It is far from the follow up to Riceboy Sleeps.

Go is the soundtrack to a creative mind that has been granted artistic freedom. Tying in at just 40 minutes, there’s an addictive edge which is often lacking in Sigur. It’s a major departure from the ambience of () and Takk, but every bit their equal. Almost.