4th album by Stafrænn Hákon was recorded, pre-mixed at home 2003-2004 and at Code Red studios Reading april 2004. Mixed & Mastered at Code Red by Daniel Lovegrove (Dialect) may 2004. All songs by Stafrænn Hákon except Blek, Kvos & Vetur co-written by Samuel White & Stafrænn Hákon.

PERFORMERS

Ólafur Josephsson: guitars, bass, drum-programming, synths.Samuel White: guitar on Blek, Kvos & VeturDaniel Lovegrove: drums & percussion. Bass on VeturÞröstur Sigurðsson: trombone on Blek & Kvos.

After two full-lengths on Resonant, the much-lauded Stafraenn Hakon is about to step up proceedings with this, his first new material in two years – onthe back of the success and acclaim that met the aforementioned “Skvettir Edik a Ref” (RESCD005 – Oct 2003) and “I Astaandi Rjupunnar” (RESCD006 – March 2004), both of which were ‘old’ albums deservedly seeing light of dayfor the first time beyond his native Iceland.

Whereas those two were effectively home recordings using basic instruments and means, “Ventill/Poki” is the end result of a week in a studio in England with the help of fellow Resonant artist Dialect, using live bass and drums sounding like the product of a band rather than one guy. That said, crucially it retains the ‘feel’ of his previous work, and is more potent andpowerful rather than allowing anything to get lost in the mix. Coming on like a hybrid of Labradford, Sigur Ros and Mogwai and finishing up with one of the finest bodies of work within the ambient/post-rock sub-genre in years, this album seems certain to elevate Olafur Josephsson’s musical alias in the esteemed company of his most obvious peers in terms of status.Released 12 September 2004.

Unnar
Blek
Vogor
Rafmagn
Eder
Grænn Haus
Kjammi
Górecki Magnús
Kvos
Vetur