Jónsi | Go | A-

Jónsi, lead singer and guitarist of experimental rock outfit Sigur Rós, recently released his first solo album, Go. Right from the start, the sound of the album differs significantly from the usual Sigur Rós productions.

Acoustic and string instruments dominate most of the album's songs, made apparent in the track "Tornado," where Jónsi's melodic voice adds the perfect sound to an already majestic track. Most of the tracks contain both English and Icelandic lyrics, leaving a bit of mystery and allowing the audience to draw their own conclusion about the songs' meanings.

Because of the songs' instrumentals, the ambiguity works well, making it easy to drift off. Its calm, soothing melodies allow the listener to get lost in the music. The bells and flutes that are present in "Boy Lilikoi" create images of a whimsical fantasy, giving the illusion of being surrounded in a magical place.

Elsewhere on the album, the solemn mood of "Hengilas" creates an eerie, melancholy sound for an otherwise upbeat record. The song acts as a rather interesting closer to the album's eccentric nature. However, it fits in nicely with the rest of the album, and leaves the listener in a dream-like state.

Despite the album's somewhat short nine-track length, the music keeps the listener interested and the flow of songs makes the album seem longer. In general, Go is a very jovial effort with a few somber songs that act as a transition in an overly cheerful album.