review 1: sigur ros; october 3rd 2008 @ The greek threater

October 3rd 2008 Sigur Ros played an exquisite concert at U.C. Berkley’s Greek Theater and it was an unforgettable night to say the least. The Icelandic band with its melodic and classical infused style of rock played to a packed house. The Greek Theater and the band’s music complemented each other very well. Having great views of the San Francisco Bay area and the surroundings of the historic Greek theater made for a great place to have the genera defying band play. The presence of being in a place with much history, some of the material used in construction dating back to ancient times, made for a memorable event; even that better. Most left satisfied even though the audience had to deal with the “bad” weather.
Before Sigur Ros took the stage the opening act, Parachutes played a short set; no more than forty minuets long. Parachute’s sound was very similar to the headline act; almost a rip off. However, the music was interesting and the songs; or should I say pieces were enjoyable. The amebic and atmospheric music seemed to please the crowd. As with Sigur Ros, the band is from Iceland and they sung in their native tongue, Icelandic. At the end of the set the band took a bow and with a quick turn around the headline act was ready to take stage.
The night really started when Sigur Ros took the stage. As 9:30 rolled along the band took the stage and dived in to a song of there 2001 album, Rimur called Svefn-g-engla. As the song progressed one knew that the night was going to be very special; one that will be not forgotten anytime soon. Lead singer Jónsi Birgisson sung in a very high falsechetto. Even though none of the songs were in English it did not take away from the power and the beauty of his voice. As well as signing Birgisson was the guitar player. He utilized the guitar as almost a cello. He has a violin bow string and played most if not all the of the songs in a fashion that Jimmy Page would be proud. It was very interesting and added a droned out ethereal quality the sound of Sigur Ros. To Accompany Brigisson was George Hólm on bass guitar, Kjartan Svession on the keys, and last, but surely not the least was Orri Pall Dyrasson on the drums. Together the five piece band put on a stellar performance. For about two or so hours the band played there many off the better know pieces. The sound in the theater was impeccable. At times the sound in the theater can be poor as some may say. However, this night the sound techs paid special attention because the band sounded very balanced; from the grassy area at the top down to stage level. The quality of the sound took away an distraction that may have ruined the night.
Along with the music the band played to an every changing light show. When the show begun the band was in shadows. Then soon the lights began to unravel which included at huge screen as the band begun to play. As the band got deeper into the set the light show begun to reveal even more colors and images. At times the band was playing to a stage show that was reminiscent of a Nine Inch Nails show, with stock footage in black in white save the unsavory imager that accompanies Nine Inch Nails. Then the it would have abstract images of the band playing, most focusing on the interments rather than the people. Then at times there would be ever changing abstract art displayed behind the band. There where also canoes of confetti shot in the audience and the place was filled with color, helped by the breeze it covered the entire place. For each song there was something different to be experienced for all senses; save the sense of taste.
As the night was coming to an end, Parachutes joined Sigur Ros on stage to help perform the percussion with to the song, Glósóil. About this time the weather started to come in. The rain and at times the pouring rain did nothing to take away from this event. The band came around for an encore and then the rain came and stopped just as the band finished there last song. It almost enhanced the night. A rock n’ roll show is supposed to be spontaious and unpredictable and surely the weather helped with that.
In conclusion the show was one to be remembered. The return of Sigur Ros to northamerica was well greated and for good reason.