Kveikur
by Sigur Rós
  • Record Label: XL
  • Release Date: Jun 18, 2013
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 36 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 36
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 36
  3. Negative: 0 out of 36
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  1. Fact Magazine (UK)
    Jun 19, 2013
    60
    If anything, they illuminate an increasingly formulaic approach that, in its attempt to express extremes of human emotion, ends up saying not very much at all.
  2. Mojo
    Jun 17, 2013
    60
    Kveikur largely conforms to existing Sigur Ros templates, and though the quirky rhythms and ethereal vocals of Isjaki spawn a certain magic, something is audibly lacking here. [Jul 2013, p.82]
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  3. NOW Magazine
    Jun 13, 2013
    60
    All their hallmarks (choral crescendos, swooping melodies and stately horns) and a few curveballs (The xx-esque 4/4 beat on Yfirbor∂) are present, but the songs reach their emotional climax quickly.
  5. The Independent on Sunday (UK)
    Jun 17, 2013
    60
    Those moments [where it's stirring, sentimental, and altogether too safe] aside, there's plenty more that is beautiful, forgettable and primed to aid a little light Sunday-afternoon catharsis.
  6. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 17, 2013
    40
    The trouble is, much of it still sounds about as vital as Coldplay Babelfished into Icelandic.
  7. The Quietus
    Jun 28, 2013
    60
    It's more that Kveikur feels more like an unfinished trip (through said glaciers, perhaps), where the destination is in sight, but seen only from the halfway point.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.6

Universal acclaim- based on 100 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 93 out of 100
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 100
  3. Negative: 1 out of 100
  1. Nedloh94
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    Far and away the most intense of any Sigur Rós album. Huge climaxes swoop in, and just wash over the ears. Very thick and rich and infinitelyFar and away the most intense of any Sigur Rós album. Huge climaxes swoop in, and just wash over the ears. Very thick and rich and infinitely rewarding. This ranks among the group's best work.… Full Review »
  2. dan_abnormal
    Jun 28, 2013
    10
    The most intense Sigur Rós album so far, not only is the most intense, but changes the Dream-pop to a more definite Dark-ambient. The first 30The most intense Sigur Rós album so far, not only is the most intense, but changes the Dream-pop to a more definite Dark-ambient. The first 30 seconds are led to believe that the album will be like the first, ie, repetitive and lacking in soul, to hear the drums, make you throw those thoughts to drain. Definitely a pretty awesome album. Something that also defines it, is that it also sounds like post-metal, something that had never been seen in a Experimental rock band.… Full Review »
  3. Entertainment97
    Jun 20, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click full review link to view. "Kveikur" is definitely Sigur Rós' most ambitious album yet! It draws on features from many of their previous works, especially "Takk...", and yet shows more of a rocky influence in certain songs, such as "Rafstraumur". I see this as a bold new adventure for Sigur Rós, whose ambient, soulful music has become increasingly aggressive over the years. "Kveikur" was worth the wait and the more aggressive edge has certainly paid off.… Full Review »
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