The end of 2007 is decidedly rich for Sigur Rós lovers: after the release of the collection "Hvarf/Heim" (which I personally appreciated a lot), here comes this anticipated "rockumentary," as it was dubbed somewhere, which arrives in Italy in the form of a DVD after being screened around the world, including at the Rome International Film Festival.
The filmed events refer to 2006: the Icelandic band, after traveling the globe for the Takk... tour, returns to their Iceland to offer the population totally free concerts. Naturally, Sigur Rós, who are anything but a predictable group, choose the most unusual and unexpected locations for their concerts: places like an abandoned factory, a peaceful village café, a vast plateau (an acoustic concert in protest of the construction of a dam), or a small village shrouded in fog.
These are places that amplify the already intense magic of the band's music, making some performances absolutely engaging: the acoustic performance of "Von" at Gamla Borg is even moving, with the director focusing attention on the faces of the diverse audience, particularly the numerous children present, their expressions attentive as if they could understand the hopelandic beautifully sung by Jonsi.
The images of the live performances are interspersed with brief interviews of the band members and Amiina, and more often, with stunning and airy Icelandic landscapes that perfectly marry, as could only be expected, with the music played by the quartet.
The film concludes with the Reykjavik concert where they perform a thrilling "Popplagið," with the customary final explosion of sounds and lights that always leaves one astonished by its power and intensity.
Sigur Rós surprise and captivate even with images. Absolutely unmissable for fans and, for those who are still unaware, an excellent opportunity to get to know this wonderful band in the best and most complete way, a band that never ceases (and I hope never will cease) to enchant.
"Sigur Rós don't play Post-Rock, they play the way Sigur Rós play, which is like no one else plays."
"Finally, I too feel at home."