Singles

Ólöf Arnalds - Innundir Skinni

Chris Tapley 05/07/2010

Rating: 3/5

Ólöf Arnalds has spent much of her musical career in the shadows, primarily as a collaborator to Icelandic dream folk troupe Múm, but also as the less known and oft-mistaken for cousin of Ólafur Arnalds. However it would now seem that with the forthcoming release of her second album she might be ready to take a little more of the plaudits herself.

'Innundir Skinni' is the lead single and title track from the album, and quite a perfect introduction to the beguiling delicacy of her music. Very much sitting within the freak folk bracket, Arnalds recalls the work of Vashti Bunyan or Joanna Newsom. This is most patent in her vocals which through their delivery, as well as due to being in her native tongue, provide a kind of otherworldliness. The track is a slow burning acoustic number which exudes an earthy naturalism which forms an enigmatic juxtaposition with the enchanting vocal style.

The lead track is backed with a cover of Arthur Russell's 'Close My Eyes,' which gives a glimpse of Arnalds' English singing voice. It is beautifully tranquil and leaves something of a quandry as to which language is most suited to her distinctive vocals. The album though contains a bit of both, and on this evidence that will be well worth investigation.

Release Date: Out Now