''Halldór Laxness'' is an album released by the Icelandic musical group
Mínus
Mínus are an Icelandic alternative rock/post-hardcore band from Reykjavík, formed in 1998. They were signed to the record label Smekkleysa. Mínus have shared the stage with, among others, Metallica, Foo Fighters, and Queens of the Stone ...
.
It was recorded and mixed in Studio Sýrland, Iceland, by
Ken Thomas and
Curver in February and March 2003 except "Last leaf upon the tree", it was mixed at Tími and produced by Curver. Cover design by Sveinbjörn Pálsson, Art Direction by Börkur Sigþórsson, whose long-time collaboration with the band included most of their music videos. A rarer Icelandic version of the album was released earlier, with artwork by Börkur and Gunnar Vilhjálmsson. Singles from the album included 'Romantic Exorcism', 'Angel in Disguise', and 'The Long Face'. The Long Face was also featured on the UEFA Euro 2004 Video Game. The album's title came from the
Icelandic author of the same name.
This album marked the beginning of the band's departure from their heavier and
noise rock
Noise rock (sometimes called noise punk) is a noise music, noise-oriented style of experimental rock that spun off from punk rock in the 1980s. Drawing on movements such as minimal music, minimalism, industrial music, and New York hardcore, a ...
oriented roots, by incorporating mainly clean vocals, as well as focusing on an overall more melodic and accessible sound and more conventional songwriting.
Track listing
All songs by Mínus, except "Last Leaf Upon the Tree", vocals and lyrics by
Katiejane Garside
Katrina Jane Garside (born 8 July 1968) is an English singer, songwriter, and visual artist. She is known for her musical projects in an eclectic range of genres including noise rock, alternative metal, acoustic, and neofolk, and vocals that rang ...
and music by Mínus.
#"Boys of Winter" – 3:53
#"Who's Hobo" – 3:27 (re-release: 3:28)
#"Romantic Exorcism" - 3:20
#"Angel in Disguise" – 3:09 (re-release: 3:10)
#"Flophouse Nightmares" – 2:49 (re-release: 2:47)
#"Here Comes the Night" – 3:33
#"The Long Face" – 4:32
#"My Name Is Cocaine" – 3:59
#"The Ravers" – 2:05
#"I Go Vertigo" – 3:11 (re-release: 3:12)
#"Insomniac" – 4:08 (re-release: 4:07)
#"Last Leaf Upon the Tree" – 5:24 (re-release: 5:28)
The 2004 reissue came with different cover (yellow with the band) and the four videos for "Angel In Disguise", "Flophouse Nightmares", "Romantic Exorcism" and "Insomniac".
Personnel
*Krummi – Vocals
*Frosti – Guitar
*Bjarni – Guitar
*Bjössi – Drums
*Johnny – Bass
Reviews
*
Metal Hammer
''Metal Hammer'' is a heavy metal music magazine and website founded in 1983, published in the United Kingdom by Future, with other language editions published by different companies available in numerous other countries. ''Metal Hammer'' featu ...
: "every track is strong - 4/5"
*
The Independent
''The Independent'' is a British online newspaper. It was established in 1986 as a national morning printed paper. Nicknamed the ''Indy'', it began as a broadsheet and changed to tabloid format in 2003. The last printed edition was publis ...
: "They might just be the rock 'n roll band the world has been waiting for"
*5K- ''
Kerrang!
''Kerrang!'' is a British music webzine and quarterly magazine that primarily covers rock, punk and heavy metal music. Since 2017, the magazine has been published by Wasted Talent Ltd (the same company that owns electronic music publication ...
'' live review: "Minus are a welcome blast of March- fresh air, their maelstrom of thrash guitars and magisterially tortured vocals enough to leave cheeks burning and throats gasping for breath an icicle sharp album"
References
*
{{DEFAULTSORT:Halldor Laxness (Album)
Mínus albums
2003 albums