Gargandi snilld

From electronica, metal, nu-wave jazz, folk, punk to post rock noise outfits - the icelandic music scene has got it all. The only thing that seems to unite these disperate strands of musical expression is a spirit of fearless experimentalism.

Something that is brilliantly captured in Screaming Masterpiece. Although it is by no means a perfect documentary it does give a nice little overview of the small community of muscians in Iceland and attempts to set their somewhat hypnotic music in its otherworldly context. Highlights include interviews and concert footage of some of my favorite artists: Sigur Ros, Bjork, Mugison and Mum.

It is worth noting that the other central personality in this film is, without question, the landscape. It is only after you have beheld the numerous sweeping vistas of the frozen landscape that you start to understand where a great deal of the sweeping grandeur of Icelandic music comes from. The problem is that after watching this documentary you are left wondering whether you should run out and purchase a fistful of albums or buy a direct ticket to Reykjavik. To help you get over this pleasant quanadry, here are a few choice cuts for your delictation. Enjoy:

• Mugison - Murr Murr
• Bjork- Unravel
• Mum - Green Grass of tunnel
• Sigur Ros - Saeglopur

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If you want to listen to more offbeat Icelandic music skip on over to Swen's blog were you can download a neat little compilation he has put together.