by Petyr Campos
Headlining Tuesday night at the Chapel was Icelandic singer-songwriter and musician Ásgeir Trausti Einarsson. He is one of Iceland’s most successful exports. In 2013, he started using the mononym Ásgeir as his recording name. His debut album, ‘Dýrð í dauðaþögn’, became the best-selling debut in Icelandic history, leading to the English-language version ‘In The Silence’ in 2014. Ásgeir is currently touring in a stripped-back, largely solo configuration promoting his latest LP ‘Julia’. His passion for live music has taken him to unique venues, including small churches, and it’s easy to see why a deconsecrated one in San Francisco suited him so well. Performing with Ásgeir was Nashville cellist and bassist Nat Smith.
Ásgeir’s sound straddles several genres, including Indie, Folk, and Americana. It’s a distinct, atmospheric blend of hushed indie folk, acoustic troubadour melodies, and warm electronics. His sound is defined by intimate instrumentation, introspective lyricism, and a soaring, emotive falsetto. The sound is expansive and cinematic, creating a spacious, dreamy soundscape that can range from a stripped-down acoustic ballad to an uplifting, beat-driven indie-pop anthem. Ásgeir also performed a few songs in his native Icelandic language. The audience was full of many loyal fans, including one fan who was introduced to Ásgeir’s music 11 years ago when visiting Iceland. His music became the soundtrack for this fan’s trip to Iceland and has since become a lifelong fan. Ásgeir put on a great show and I look forward to see him the next time he comes to town.
Bay Area native singer-songwriter Zoë Winter was the open act of the evening. Zoe took the stage alone, acoustic guitar in hand, and reminded everyone how a single voice and six strings can be the most powerful thing in the room. Much of the set drew from her self-titled debut album, along with a song she had never performed publicly. Winter’s voice is rich, velvety, and full of weight. Her songs filled the room with depth and soulfulness.
