by Jon Bauer
Icelandic band múm has had quite a year. Making their first album in 12 years, “History of Silence” (their 7th official release) – it dropped in September and fans have been excited for their rescheduled US tour. Their tour that was scheduled for March and April 2020 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their album “Yesterday Was Dramatic – Today is OK” was cancelled due to COVID, and Bay Area fans have been waiting patiently for their return.
Last night, they finally did return – with their signature intimate, sometimes quiet, sometimes crashing sounds that had their fans head bobbing, foot tapping, and screaming for more. When cellist Gyða Valtýsdóttir took the stage and strapped her cello with a long pink ribbon around her body to become “one” with her instrument, you could hear the audience also strap in for a beautiful ride as well.
The band is: Gyða Valtýsdóttir, Sigurlaug Gísladóttir, Örvar Þóreyjarson Smárason, Róberta Andersen, Gunnar Örn Tynes, and Samuli Kosminen.
Their unique sounds that this band makes, that the world has dubbed “indietronica”, combines surprising instruments with haunting vocals and electronic beats, raps, and subtlety not normally found in this kind of music. For example, when drummer Samuli Kosminen took the stage, he brought a large bucket of water that he used to dip a frying pan into, and tap during the opening song – creating a shimmering sorta sound that was truly unique.
Opening for múm was band member Sigurlaug Gísladóttir, accompanied by Jae Tyler – playing as Mr. Silla. Their delicate melodies perfectly set the tone for what was soon to come.
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