BSÍ - Sometime Depressed...But Always Antifascist
Hailing from Iceland, BSÍ consist of Silla (vocals/drums) and Julius (playing bass with his hands and synths with his feet). With a lo-fi, DIY aesthetic, “Sometimes Depressed…” is in two parts. The first five songs are low-key melancholia, whilst the second five are punk rock/riot grrrl inflected indie-pop.
My Lovely, Old Moon and 25Lue are wistful dreampop. With driving bass, TAL II shares territory with latter-day PINS, whilst there is a widescreen cinematic feel to Uncouple. On to the second half and the funk-punk-pop of Vesturbæjar Beach comes on like a more melodic Slits and Feela Það could be a punkier Depeche Mode. Things go 70s powerpop with My Knee Against Anarchy. The grungy, shouty Dónakallalahið recalls The Pixies and Alltaf Alltaf Stundum Alltaf mixes Joy Division with Bis.
It was almost certain that I would love BSÍ, given what is surely is the album title of the year and my love for (almost) all things musical from Iceland. I may not like absolutely everything from the Land of Fire and Ice but I am amazed at how a country with such a small population produces so much good music and this is right up there with the best. Now to start saving for a trip to Reykjavik for a visit to legendary record store 12 Tónar!
9/10
