Sigur Rós Leaves Los Angeles Speechless with Stunning Orchestral Performance at the Greek Theatre
Review & Photos by Greg Poblete
August 28, 2023 — Icelandic post-rock legends, Sigur Rós, accompanied by the Wordless Music Orchestra, brought a spellbinding performance to the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Under a warm, late August night sky, with towering trees surrounding the venue, the LA audience was greeted by swelling orchestral pieces along with Jónsi’s hauntingly chilling vocals for the final stop of their summer tour.
Through and through, the main focus of the performance was the orchestra with the core band members sitting in the passenger seat. The 41-piece Wordless Music Orchestra consisted of luscious strings, blaring horns, twinkling bells, and much more that created a soothing bed of ambient layers to complement each track. Sigur Rós became famous for their unconventional approach to rock music in the 90s with slow-burning and symphonic arrangements bound with Jónsi’s mystical falsetto and organic sonic textures. Although there was a hint of that initial spark present in their performance with Jónsi’s signature whale-cry-sounding electric guitar playing with a violin bow, it was evident that this was not the same Sigur Rós from the early years.
This version of the group is definitely more elusive and reserved. There was little to no crowd interaction, no stage banter, or no acknowledgement of performing in LA. They simply let the music speak for itself, really taking the name Wordless Music Orchestra a bit too literally. Perhaps this is why there was an underlying wave of apprehension coming from concert-goers not knowing what kind of show they were in for.
Granted, the crowd at the Greek Theatre was one of the most respectful and attentive crowds I’ve ever witnessed. During the performance, every person in the venue gazed with intent and fixated on the beauty radiating from the embellishments flowing from the stage that even the cracking of a Modelo can was deemed as a disturbance. In an age where every other day, a TikTok video of an artist getting hit with a random item at a show goes viral, it was a rather nice experience to see people still have concert etiquette.
There was no opening act, just Sigur Rós and the Wordless Music Orchestra playing two separate sets which included songs from all eras of the band’s discography from Takk… to Ágætis Byrjun. The first set began with the mesmerizing “Blóðberg” from the newest album, Átta. A long-winded but patient ambient piece leaving everyone in awe. As the first set continued, each song that passed felt like a triumphant soundtrack to a movie where the protagonist is riding off into the sunset with their arms open, screaming “Are we ever going to be better than this?!”
Even without being able to sing along or understand the lyrics, the Icelandic language is piercing, especially with Jónsi’s otherworldly and emotional vocals. Jónsi’s falsetto is just as strong as ever. His siren-like voice made it feel like you were floating in the middle of the ocean, not afraid where the current would take you because of the sense of peace that crashed over with every note sung.
By no means does Sigur Rós have any bangers that would get anyone grooving or hyped. However, they do have quite a few monumental and captivating tunes in their catalog that lit fans up with excitement when heard live. As the shimmering, reverbed piano began to play the opening notes of “Starálfur,” phones all across the Greek shot up to capture a glimpse of one of the band’s most memorable tracks.
The first set ended with “Varðeldur” from Valtari. It was a lovely send-off into a short intermission. However it was a bit of a clunky transition as the musicians walked off stage, and everyone did not know if that was the final song of the night or not. There was no announcement that there would be an intermission or anything on the screens stating how long the intermission would be, they just walked off without a word. Although I do appreciate musicians holding a dash of mystery in regards to performing their art, it would have been appreciated if there was some sort of acknowledgment of the crowd present.
The second set included more classics from the albums Takk… and ( ). Some personal favorites from the second set included “Untitled #3” and “All Alright.” And of course, the dazzling “Hoppípolla” left the Greek swimming with elation. Although it would have made sense to make this the final song of the evening, Sigur Rós ended the second set with a fizzle playing “Avalon” from Ágætis Byrjun. And with that, the last show of their U.S. tour concluded.
Every single person stood on their feet to greet the curtain call with a standing ovation. There was a moment when the core members of the group, Jónsi, George Hólm, and Kjartan Sveinsson, walked off stage only to come back out to accept another round of applause. There were whispers of whether the band would perform an encore, but with a full orchestra, I’m sure it would be a bit tricky to pull off logistically.
With this being the final show of their summer tour, Sigur Rós performed a magical and once-in-a-lifetime set at the Greek Theatre. I never thought I would ever have the chance to see them live, and witnessing Sigur Rós’ music enhanced by the Wordless Music Orchestra was truly a treat. It was also a pleasant surprise making direct eye contact with the star of the Black Mirror episode “Beyond the Sea,” Aaron Paul, at the box office before the concert.
Make sure to check out Sigur Rós’ website for future tour dates, and listen to their new album, Átta, available on all streaming platforms now.
