What does Árstíðir sound like?

Icelandic chamber pop turned fully a capella for a Nordic hymn album.

The review of ‘Vetrarsól’ by Árstíðir

Árstíðir burst onto the music in 2013 with their viral rendition of the oldest preserved Nordic hymn ‘Heyr himna smiður’. Since then, the trio have released several fantastic albums that switch between chamber folk, chamber pop and Nordic pop. This time around, all the instruments are gone. ‘Vetrarsól’ (Voices of the Winter Sun) is the culmination of Árstíðir adding in a capella songs during their live shows. This album curates some of their favourite traditional Icelandic choral songs that showcase the cultural heritage of their homeland.

The first thing to note about this album is how detailed and rich the arrangements are. To expand the sound pallette, our regular trio are joined by two additional singers across the album. The harmonies from them scatter octaves and resonate from the most angelic choral segments to the deepest bone-rustling bass notes. The arrangements are restrained and intimate across the board. Whether it’s the patriotic poem ‘Land míns föður’, or the uniquely emotional epitaph that is ‘Grafskrift’ – they calm and soothe the listener. Rarely do the band break into solo and back up, but on the poignant and sombre ‘Bæn einstæðingsins’, Árstíðir do. This is to reflect the poet’s author Gísli Gíslason, who spent most of his life in solitary isolation.

Despite the album spanning centuries, Árstíðir ensures the album sounds consistent. A few tracks sound more like Nordic monk arrangements such as ‘Ísland farsælda frón’. Others are more choral, almost religious like ‘Smávinir fagrir’. Whatever the approach, the intimate and deliberate performances are disarmingly beautiful. You can hear the intake of each breath. The softer annunciation of the Icelandic language brings a warming caress to your ears. It is an enchanting experience. Only the closing track, ‘Góða veislu gjöra skal’ really embraces a more bombastic Viking spirit. It does whet my appetite for an a capella Viking album for the future as it sounds dynamic and free-flowing.

‘Vetrarsól’ is going to be my alternative Christmas album of 2024. Is it festive? No – but it holds a character and timbre that evokes December through and through. The careful, respectful and restrained arrangements remind me of the same feelings I get whenever I hear ‘Coventry Candle’. There is wisdom, wiseness and respectful wistful wince to the year that’s past. This album embodies that and layers in a calming balm too. No two Árstíðir albums are ever the same, but each time the trio deliver something exceptional. If you enjoy a capella arrangements, this is a must-buy.

Recommended track: Grafskrift

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