Ólafur Arnalds live from Hafursey, in Iceland
for Cercle
Nothing says "I'm finding myself" quite like shivering on an Icelandic black sand beach while pretending you aren't absolutely freezing your bollocks off. The aesthetic minimalists are out in full force for this one, clad in expensive waterproofs and gazing thoughtfully into the abyss. Welcome to the Ólafur Arnalds Hafursey, in Iceland for Cercle tracklist. Glacial winds howl through the desolate volcanic landscape, perfectly framing the cinematic, moody energy of the performance.
Bizarrely categorised as Trance by the algorithmic overlords, this Ólafur Arnalds live set is actually a masterclass in sweeping emotional electronica. The BPM fluctuates wildly from 97 all the way to 171, averaging 137.5, while pivoting through 5B and 12A keys. The mid-range frequencies dominate here, creating a soundscape that's more tearjerker than warehouse pumper. Digging deep, he weaves in unexpected atmospheric cuts alongside his own sweeping orchestrations.
"Loom" alongside Bonobo is a massive highlight, whilst Perry Martin's "Black Forest" gives the trainspotters something to furiously Shazam. Kicking things off, the opening track "Mensajes de Paz" by Musica Feliz washes over the tundra like a gentle frost. The emotional arc peaks with "re:member" before the legendary closing track, Kiasmos's "Blurred", leaves the freezing crowd in absolute scenes.