[Dajana] SÓLSTAFIR seem to be caught in an extended tour circulation. Having hardly finished their European tour in support of their latest album release Ótta, the Icelandic guys crossed the pond to tour the USA and Canada. With a short respite over the Christmas days SÓLSTAFIR went back to Europe for single appearances in January. One of those single shows was a very intimate sold out one at the Vortex Club in Siegen, Germany, 2 weeks ago, where SÓLSTAFIR played a stunning 2hrs headlining set. Now SÓLSTAFIR started their regular second leg of the Ótta itinerary with a stop at the • Zeche • Bochum. And nope, I can’t get enough of SÓLSTAFIR, as they are one of my all-time faves. And yes, of course, I couldn’t help myself getting to this show more or less around the corner, especially since I was driven and allowed to have a beer ;)
[BRT] To me it was the complete opposite this time. Although having this show on the doorstep I decided to go by car. Well, it was kinda clear that the day would come to see the Icelandic guys playing live totally sober ;)

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[BRT] But first we had the pleasure to see the instrumental/electronic duo :: NORDIC GIANTS :: causing quite a stir. One guy playing drums and a guitar with a bow on one side, and another one, playing keys/synth and a trumpet on the other. In the middle there have been two screens. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. Musically I’d like to describe them as a mixture of Trip Hop and Postrock with notes of Massive Attack and Björk. But most capturing were the partly thrilling and partly really disturbing short films that perfectly merged with the music. Later in the band’s performance music went over to a more psychedelic approach. While being absolutely fascinated by the short films I almost didn’t notice the likewise disturbing shamanic-like outfit and make-up of both musicians. In my opinion it didn’t harmonize with the music yet well-suited the performance.
[Dajana] Yes, the NORDIC GIANTS were just stunningly great, truly phenomenal. Unique. I had a listen before and immediately fell for them. And I knew that they strongly focus on the visual part. But at the end I was as surprised and impressed as everybody else in the crowd. No, I was downright blown away. The clothing, the short films, the music, the whole performance… just breathtaking. The sound was a bit overdriven but didn’t narrow the show itself. This performance was definitely a revelation. Just WOW! NORDIC GIANTS are on permanent rotation since then. Just let me recommend the band’s BandCamp-site.
Setlist: Mechanical Minds, The Seed, Through A Lens Darkly, Néoténie, Together, Little Bird

[BRT] :: SÓLSTAFIR :: is one of just a few newer Rock bands that managed to create an absolutely unique sound, carving their very own niche in the huge arena of the music circus. Their now psychedelic Rock has long outgrown the band’s Black and Viking metal roots. The guys kicked off quite restrained and stiff tonight, but especially singer and guitarist Aðalbjörn Tryggvason quickly bridged the situation and interacted a lot with the crowd. Maybe Náttfari isn’t the perfect opener, but followed by Köld and the songs from the new album Ótta, SÓLSTAFIR started to rock the venue, delivering a dynamic and entertaining show.
[Dajana] I’d say, SÓLSTAFIR didn’t have their best day. Unfortunately, drummer Guðmundur Óli Pálmason wasn’t able to take part in this second leg of the tour. He got replaced by Karl Petur Smith, who in fact is a good drummer, but wasn’t too familiar with the set yet, what caused some confusions and interruptions. Gummi was missed by many. Furthermore, the last couple of shows were sold out, tonight’s show was not. The venue is quite big, with a high stage that creates a distance to the audience, and that was somehow killing the atmosphere a bit. And the guys looked tired. As mentioned above, their heavy touring schedule seems to take its toll. The boys are ready for vacation. But as BRT already said: after a short start-up phase SÓLSTAFIR gained momentum with Aðalbjörn joking with the crowd as he wanted to exchange Björk with Udo Dirkschneider. The show again was intensive and emotional, captivating most of the fans around. After one and a half hour SÓLSTAFIR closed in a classic way with Goddess Of The Ages. Of course a show way too short yet way better than their usual 4-tracks 45 mins support shows/festivals ;) There were no encores given. The boys just came back on stage a second time to bow and say thank you. Great evening! Once again!
[BRT] I didn’t see SÓLSTAFIR playing a small club yet but I can well imagine that such show close to the audience might be way more intensive. Besides, tonight’s show was definitely awesome. Music to lose yourself in… Chapeau!
Setlist: Náttfari, Köld, Lágnætti, Rismál, Ótta, Þín Orð, Dagmál, Svartir Sandar, Djákninn, Fjara, Goddess Of The Ages

story BRT & Dajana • pics © Dajana & Dajana Winkel • Photography