Airwaves: A Bluffer's Guide

Here is the ultimate guide to Airwaves 2006. What to see and what not to see... Compiled by our man in Boston,  Baldur Héðinsson.

1. DON'T MISS:

Wolf Parade (CAN)

If you are an indie kid, and I know you are, Wolf Parades raw, orchestral sound will sweep you off your feet. This Canadian band based in Montréal, Québec, signed to the Sub Pop label has created quite a buzz in the international music scene this past year.

Datarock (NO)

This Norwegian duo is a forerunner of the new rave movement, with songs consisting of punchy bass-lines, along with klaxons, whistles, bells, keyboards, synths and other electronic instruments. They possess steady beats as well as beautiful melodies.

The Whitest Boy Alive (NO/DE)

They are white, boys and fully capable of keeping the dance-floor alive. This band, lead by Erlend Øye, started as an electronic dance music project in Berlin. The piece has slowly developed into a band playing live instruments, with no programmed elements.

Apparat Organ Quartet

This band is as fresh today as it was when it first formed seven

years ago. Four organs and a drummer, it may sound like a recipe to a soundtrack to Tetris, but the outcome is a brilliant unique sound that will bring out a smile in all those indie sad-sacks.

Benni Hemm Hemm

Last years most noted act, then playing at the festivals smallest venue, created the longest line going three times around the block. This year the festival organizers have a larger role for BHH to play, performing at prime time at one of the festivals biggest venues. Will he live up to the expectation?

Hairdoctor

Last summer the members of this duo transformed from indie boys to hard core techno-heads. They are still glitz and glam, but catchy guitar riffs have been replaced by pounding pounding electro beats.



2. THE BREAKTHROUGHS:

Jakobínarína

The juvenile Franz Ferdinand of Iceland. These 16-year-old boys rocked last years festival. They have since spent their time finishing up compulsory education and hanging out with Reykjaviks hardcore rockers. If they can survive that adventure, they are ready for another festival appearance.

Stórsveit Nix Noltes

Icelandic indie-kids playing aggressive and swift Eastern European folk music. Their punkish style combined with the complex harmonies and highly irregular rhythms of traditional Balkan music will make the world take notice at this years festival.

Klaxons (UK)

Acid-rave sci-fi punk-funkers Klaxons sparked off big excitement at this years Reading festival. They have a large underground following in the UK and record labels have taken notice. Their sound reveals heavy influence from both the art rock explosion of the last decade and the 1990s rave culture, which they appropriate and redefine, often with a sense of tongue-in-cheek. With an album due out this month they must be one of the more interesting bands appearing at

Iceland Airwaves.

3. FOR INSIDERS:

Jóhann JÓhannsson

This Reykjavik musician, composer and producer is one of the most active participants in the vibrant Icelandic music scene. The majority of his solo work is written for strings, piano, organ, glockenspiel and percussion with subtle electronic backgrounds. His concerts are always interesting, often taking place in churches or other extraordinary venues.

Steintryggur

A collaboration between Sigtryggur Baldursson, former Sugarcubes drummer and Steingrimur Guðmundsson (hence the name Steintryggur).

The duo plays intriguing percussion pieces with influences ranging from African tribal beats to Eskimo music.

Stilluppsteypa

An experimental/noise band playing electronic music. The members have been producing their noise since the start of the 90s. They have gained recognition within certain circles of music devotees, especially in Germany. Their music tends to be extremely loud and discordant, not for the faint-hearted.

Margeir aka Jack Schidt - dj set

This man has been at the forefront of Reykjaviks club scene for over 15 years. He has presented the citys population with diverse genres of music, everything from Latin and African beats to electronic house.

Electroll - dj set

An up-and-coming Reykjavik duo spinning the best minimal deep house around. They have a solid following within the young trendsetting crowd and you wont find a better dance party anywhere in town.

4. MAINSTREAM

We are Scientists (US)

American indie poppers We are Scientists have steadily gained

popularity both in the UK and US ever since the release of their two self-made LPs. The members are renowned for their impressive live show, often mixing pacy renditions of their songs with comedy and entertaining conversations.

The Go! Team (UK)

A Brighton-based six-piece band performing a mix of action theme songs, cheerleader chants, guitar riffs and early hip-hop, with a touch of 70s funk. Their songs are a fuse of live instrumentation and samples from various sources. The bands charisma shines during live shows. The frontwoman, who goes by the name Ninja, takes charge of the crowd, driving them to dance with her energetic performance.

Kaiser Chiefs (UK)

The band is a part of the post-punk revival movement playing

danceable rock tunes. Winner of three Brit Awards (Best Group, Best British Rock Act and Best Live Act) Kaiser Chiefs took the UK by storm this past year. They are probably the biggest name appearing at Iceland Airwaves this year.

Mates of State (US)

Mates of State are an American indie rock husband and wife duo from Kansas. The main instruments used by the band are drums and the electric organ. Their songs are notable for their male/female vocal harmony, shifting rhythms, and quirky, disjointed song structure.

Brazilian Girls (US)

None of the members of this quartet from New York City is from Brazil and only one is a girl. They play an eclectic blend of electronic dance music with influences from samba and reggae to house and lounge.

Mugison

Mugison (or Örn Elías Guðmundsson) comes from the remote town of Ísafjördur in the West Fjords of Iceland. Until recently he performed as a one-man band, using a guitar and computer. Now he has assembled a Mugiband to support him in concert. He is one of Icelands most beloved musicians. His latest album swept the nation off its feet, winning him four Icelandic Music Awards, including Best Song and Best Album.

5 ZZZZ...

Brain Police

These stoner rockers are so manly you can see their beards growing. Dull as dishwater.

Dr. Spock

Talented musicians showing off their skills. Musical masturbation: perhaps fun to perform, but unpleasant to watch.

Leaves

Are these guys still around, didnt they announce their world-

conquering breakthrough years ago? Shouldnt they be playing the MTV music awards and hanging out with Chris Martin by now.