Ásgeir at Bush Hall

Although he is escorted by four band members, Ásgeir Trausti seems isolated on the stage of a nearly-dark Bush Hall. Born and raised in the wilds of an Icelandic village named Laugarbakki (population 40), last year Ásgeir Trausti Einarsson became an overnight sensation in his country with his debut album Dyrd í Dauðathogn. The record became Iceland’s fastest and biggest selling debut album, outselling Bjork and Sigur Rós.

As in one of the verses of Higher, the song that opens the new album, Ásgeir “lifts the audience’s mind and lets it take a flight” from the beginning, with modern folk melodies, fused with electronic touches, funk bass grooves and jazz drum beats. Going Home, On That Day, Summer Guest, Torrent… The repertoire looks great but Ásgeir lyrics are delicate, and sometimes the sound is perhaps too big.

A few songs into the show and the crowd cheers especially loudly when the first in Icelandic is played – the chosen one is Dýrð í Dauðaþögn. One thing is clear: the market rules, but it doesn’t matter what language Ásgeir is singing in, music is universal.

Marc Vargas
Photos: Francesca Capra

For further information and future events visit Ásgeir’s website here.

Watch the video for On That Day here: