Átta cover

Átta

Sigur Rós · 2023

56 min · 10 tracks · post-rock

Ethereal soundscapes merge haunting melodies with expansive arrangements, creating a transcendent auditory journey that feels both intimate and vast.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Glóð Start here — Opening the album with a delicate interplay of strings and vocals, Glóð sets an atmospheric tone that encapsulates the essence of Átta's emotive journey.
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    Blóðberg — This track stands out with its gradual build-up of intensity, showcasing the band's signature blend of lush instrumentation and ethereal vocals that evoke a sense of longing.
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    Gold — Gold captures the experimental spirit of Átta, featuring intricate rhythms and layered harmonies that highlight the band's evolution while remaining true to their roots.
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    Fall — With its poignant melody and reflective lyrics, Fall serves as a contemplative moment on the album, illustrating themes of vulnerability and resilience.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
72 /100
Alpine
Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's expansive soundscapes and gradual builds create a unique listening experience within the post-rock genre.

What we noticed

  • The album features long, atmospheric tracks that often build gradually, layering sounds over time to create a sense of depth.
  • Each track typically begins with minimal instrumentation, slowly introducing additional elements like strings and synths to enhance the soundscape.
  • Several tracks incorporate silence or sparse moments, allowing for a contrast between dense sections and quieter passages.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like emotional undulations
  • immersive landscapes for daydreaming
  • dynamic exploration of soundscapes
  • cathartic moments through resolution
  • reflective solitude in expansive spaces

Maybe skip if you

  • seekers of instant gratification
  • prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Marks a significant return after a decade, showcasing continued artistic vitality.
Themes
Icelandic landscapes· personal transformation· ethereal soundscapes
Career context
Átta is Sigur Rós's first studio album since 2013's Kveikur, marking a significant return for the band after a decade-long hiatus from releasing new material. During this time, the group underwent personal and professional changes, including lineup adjustments and evolving their sound, which listeners can hear reflected in this latest offering.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Mór

    A pivotal moment occurs when the perspective shifts from collective experiences to introspective reflections, deepening emotional resonance.

    This shift in focus allows for a more personal connection with the listener, contrasting with the broader themes explored in previous tracks.

Tracklist

  • 1 Glóð Start here 3:38
  • 2 Blóðberg 7:15
  • 3 Skel 4:58
  • 4 Klettur 6:31
  • 5 Mór 5:47
  • 6 Andrá 4:06
  • 7 Gold 5:12
  • 8 Ylur 5:54
  • 9 Fall 3:27
  • 10 8 9:40

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata