Amiina is a female quartet (three violins and a cello) from Iceland. If you have heard them before it is most likely through their touring/playing with Sigur Rós. I really enjoy their work; their performance in Screaming Masterpiece really impressed me (metallophones make me happy).
amiina.com – myspace – hypem search

In preparation and anticipation for the Sigur Rós Hemia DVD release (Nov 20, US), I picked up the Icelandic pop music documentary Screaming Masterpiece. The film presents an in depth cross section of the current musical climate as well as the deep history of one of the most musically talented and original countries in the world. This is accomplished through full length song live performances from a multitude of Icelandic bands. I emphasize ‘full length song’ because it would have been much easier to only include excerpts and show more bands, however, the film impressed me with the full length songs. This is complemented by interviews with notable Icelandic music icons. Overall the film was moving and compelling as it is obvious that Icelandic bands truly ‘get it’ when it comes to music.

Music is the ultimate artform, it goes past the brain and cuts straight to the heart, you get goosebumps from listening to music, a physical response.
- Dagur Kári Pétursson (Slowbow)

I would recommend this film to anyone who is interested in Iceland or Icelandic music as well as to anyone who enjoys the music of any of the numerous bands that are included (see a few of the major ones below).
amína – apparat organ quartet – bardi jóhannsson – björk – jóhann jóhannsson mínus – mugison – múm – sigur rós – more

I have been excited for a while now for the release of Sigur Rós‘ film Heima (North America: 20 Nov, 2007). This film documents the band’s journey “over two weeks last summer when [they] undertook a series of free, unannounced concerts in Iceland” (About Heima). I highly recommend watching the high resolution trailer. Some of the scenes are breathtaking. To accompany the film’s release, Sigur Rós also released a double EP Hvarf-Heim (5/6 Nov, 2007).
sigur-ros.co.uk – myspace – hypem search