Back in November 2018, KEXP took our annual trip to Reykjavik for the Iceland Airwaves Music Festival. Over the span of four days, we broadcasted live from the renowned KEX Hostel, streaming live video of performances from Icelandic artists and other acts from the festival lineup. We’ll be rolling out these videos over the weeks to follow. Today’s feature is of Icelandic duo Hugar. Writer Dusty Henry reported:
All of this was on full display during their performance. The word "cinematic" gets thrown around a lot when describing post-rock and ambient music so, uh, I won't say that. But what I will say is that their music soundtracked the moment with astounding poise and precision. If you weren't looking, it was easy to assume there were more than two people on stage. It's a testament to their prowess but also the magic that they inhabit in their craft. Switching between keys, pianos, and even trombone, the duo was effortless in their execution. The lights would slowly pulse and fade behind them, an array of colors mirroring the subtle transitions in their songs. Much like the Aurora Borealis, Hugar's music feels like a lovely mystery that you feel lucky to come across. The set could've continued on endlessly, spreading out throughout the room and swaddling the room as the darkness outside continues to overcome the sky.
Read the full report here.
Recorded November 6, 2018
Songs:
Fold
Loft
Ró
Órói
Segull
Grandi
Hosts: Kevin Cole & Cheryl Waters
Audio Engineers: Kevin Suggs & Eyvindur Þorsteinsson
Cameras: Jim Beckmann, Alaia D'Alessandro, Scott Holpainen & Matt Ogaz
Director: Justin Wilmore
Editor: Alaia D'Alessandro
