The Sugarcubes

The Profile

The Sugarcubes are an Icelandic alternative rock band formed in Reykjavík in 1986, featuring Björk and Einar Örn Benediktsson. Their debut Life’s Too Good (1988) earned international acclaim, followed by Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! (1989) and Stick Around for Joy (1992). The group disbanded in 1992 and reunited briefly in 2006.

Formed in Reykjavík on June 8, 1986. Early lineup included Björk Guðmundsdóttir, Þór Eldon, Bragi Ólafsson, Sigtryggur Baldursson, and Einar Örn Benediktsson, with keyboard roles passing from Friðrik Erlingson to Einar Melax and later Margrét Örnólfsdóttir. Life’s Too Good was released on One Little Indian in 1988; the singles “Coldsweat,” “Deus,” “Motorcrash,” and “Birthday” drew strong critical notice. John Peel championed the band, and Melody Maker placed Life’s Too Good second in its End Of Year Critics list behind Pixies’ Surfer Rosa. Subsequent releases included Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! (1989) and Stick Around for Joy (1992); the band also worked with Elektra for wider distribution.

Iceland’s The Sugarcubes formed on June 8, 1986 in Reykjavík and broke out with Life’s Too Good (1988) on One Little Indian, praised by critics and championed by John Peel. Melody Maker ranked it second in their year-end list behind Pixies’ Surfer Rosa, with singles like Birthday, Deus, Coldsweat, and Motorcrash highlighted. Follow-up Here Today, Tomorrow Next Week! (1989) drew harsher notices. Stick Around for Joy (1992) delivered quirky pop and preceded the group’s end as Björk began her solo career.