I've been a fan of Bardi Johannsson for quite a while.
Since I first heard of the Bang Gang - which I'm not entirely sure where I came across that.
Since I first heard of the Bang Gang - which I'm not entirely sure where I came across that.
The music was beautifully written and the lyrics found a way to burrow into my heart.
But let me tell you a little about him.
Bardi Johannsson is a little known Icelandic artist. He's a composer and producer ; having done work everywhere from commercials, to films, to tv shows,to theater, to both producing and writing for other artists.
Bardi Johannsson is a little known Icelandic artist. He's a composer and producer ; having done work everywhere from commercials, to films, to tv shows,to theater, to both producing and writing for other artists.
He's also known for his work with his band "Bang Gang" and also on his side project "Lady & Bird" with Keren Ann.
"Bang Gang" has produced 3 albums entitled : "You", "Something Wrong" and their newest release, "Ghosts from the Past". Having spent numerous hours listening to all three, there is a definite difference in the maturity of both the music and the lyrical composition on "Something Wrong". And that is even furthered on the release "Ghosts from the Past".
Many songs from both "Something Wrong" and "Ghosts from the past" are featured on Bardi's side project (La Ballade of Lady & Bird - by Lady & Bird) with artist, Keren Ann. This album is a thing of beauty. The album was recorded live on BBC with the Icelandic orchestra at the helm. The notes are somber and have a haunting effect to them. One that finds its way into your bones. The collaboration also featured songs written by Keren Ann (such as "Sailor & Widow", a personal favorite, which can be found on her solo album "Not going Anywhere").
One of his finest accomplishments, merely in my opinion, was his soundtrack for the silent film "HAXAN".
It's an absolute masterpiece.
It seems that within most modern music it's difficult to find an artist who is talented enough to invoke such strong emotions strictly through instrumentals. Classical has gotten a bad rap in recent years and has adopted a stigma of being "boring".
Sure, there are no catchy lyrics, no riffs, no booty shaking or other flashy nonsense. But sometimes, isn't it nice to have something sweet in your ear that lets you actually think, actually FEEL what the music is saying? Something that isn't TELLING you how to respond to it?
We've been lucky enough to be given another instrumental taste of Bardi Johannsson's incredible skill with his latest release, "Selected film & theater works".
It encompasses much of his unreleased work as well as a track from "HAXAN".
I make no bones about it, this is definitely a somber album and not for the faint of heart. Every note has the ability to find that one spot inside your heart you've ignored. Every sad emotion or any self doubt you may have ever had. It's an amazingly emotionally driven and masterfully produced piece.
Even in it's sad undertones, it somehow musters your creativity and your ability to over-come.
This album is not meant to listened to as individual singles - it's meant to be listened to from beginning to end. It's meant to be enjoyed.
If you're interested in listening to clips of every track on the new album, they're available on this link.
As per usual, I strongly urge against illegal downloading - please purchase the album(s).
I have provided links with each album name above to itunes. The reason I have not provided a link for a physical copy is due the difficulty of importing the albums. However, if you are interested in purchasing a physical copy of any of the above albums, some are available through Amazon.com. Your local music store will also be able to get you copies as well.
Many songs from both "Something Wrong" and "Ghosts from the past" are featured on Bardi's side project (La Ballade of Lady & Bird - by Lady & Bird) with artist, Keren Ann. This album is a thing of beauty. The album was recorded live on BBC with the Icelandic orchestra at the helm. The notes are somber and have a haunting effect to them. One that finds its way into your bones. The collaboration also featured songs written by Keren Ann (such as "Sailor & Widow", a personal favorite, which can be found on her solo album "Not going Anywhere").
One of his finest accomplishments, merely in my opinion, was his soundtrack for the silent film "HAXAN".
It's an absolute masterpiece.
It seems that within most modern music it's difficult to find an artist who is talented enough to invoke such strong emotions strictly through instrumentals. Classical has gotten a bad rap in recent years and has adopted a stigma of being "boring".
Sure, there are no catchy lyrics, no riffs, no booty shaking or other flashy nonsense. But sometimes, isn't it nice to have something sweet in your ear that lets you actually think, actually FEEL what the music is saying? Something that isn't TELLING you how to respond to it?
We've been lucky enough to be given another instrumental taste of Bardi Johannsson's incredible skill with his latest release, "Selected film & theater works".
It encompasses much of his unreleased work as well as a track from "HAXAN".
I make no bones about it, this is definitely a somber album and not for the faint of heart. Every note has the ability to find that one spot inside your heart you've ignored. Every sad emotion or any self doubt you may have ever had. It's an amazingly emotionally driven and masterfully produced piece.
Even in it's sad undertones, it somehow musters your creativity and your ability to over-come.
This album is not meant to listened to as individual singles - it's meant to be listened to from beginning to end. It's meant to be enjoyed.
If you're interested in listening to clips of every track on the new album, they're available on this link.
As per usual, I strongly urge against illegal downloading - please purchase the album(s).
I have provided links with each album name above to itunes. The reason I have not provided a link for a physical copy is due the difficulty of importing the albums. However, if you are interested in purchasing a physical copy of any of the above albums, some are available through Amazon.com. Your local music store will also be able to get you copies as well.
