‘Screaming Masterpiece’ looks at the Icelandic music scene but offers little in way of a documentary. This is more of a concert movie. Focussing on the wealth and diversity on offer with small snippets from some of the more recent trendsetters, this offers more of a feeling for the scene of today’s musicians. From the large sold out arenas being treated to Bjork’s vocals to small gothic churches for some string and synth work from Johann Johannsson, Iceland does have lots to offer and they have influences from every corner of the globe in the search for their own identity.
From the very opening with Sigur Ros playing over the snowy covered peaks of Iceland’s rugged beauty we are introduced to this almost alien world that intrigues us so. Not European, not Scandinavian, not American, but somewhere in-between, the youth of Iceland have been searching for their own voice, taking notes and poems from long ago and mixing it with the punk sensibilities of the 70’s to the synth pop of the 90’s and 2000’s, groups have emerged from this isle that have changed the face of the music scene. The focus is a little too linear and does seem to be more on the avant-garde side of things, and although still diverse, there is definitely a lack of a little jazz and mainstream sensibilities.
And what would a movie about Iceland’s music scene be without the inclusion of Bjork at least, and she holds her head up high in an Icelandic flag waving way, and rightly so. From her baby faced days in Tappi Tikarrass through her days with Einar Orn in The Sugarcubes to her present beatbox folktronica, she has always pushed the boundaries of her music, or more to the point, of music in general.
But there is much more on offer than just the pop pixie, from the Head Pagan and soundtrack genius Hilmar Örn Hilmarsson to the odd but beautiful haunting sounds of Mum (the amazing 'Green Grass of Tunnel' is perhaps one of the best tracks here), but what is clearly on show here is the whole feeling of a music community. With not much else to do but drink and write and play tunes this should be no surprise to the amount of talent, unsung or famous, from these icy shores, but they all seem like one big family and that definitely places them apart from anywhere else on this globe.
To call this a masterpiece as the title would suggest is perhaps a little bold, as a documentary it is very shallow in its concept, but if you just want to assault your ears with some of the most refreshing and versatile bands on the planet then this is fucking awesome ! Watch it, then go out and buy the soundtrack !
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