There has been so much folk music released over the last few years, but so much of it can be lacking in substance or just not seem quite sincere enough. Then along comes a gem like Ólöf Arnalds, who reminds you just why you appreciate the genre. She proves to be honest and brave while unveiling tales that are eloquently simple.
Arnalds (former member of Icelandic “folktronica” outfit múm) is currently touring on her second release, Innundir Skinni. It’s reinforced with some Icelandic magic courtesy of production by Sigur Rós’s Kjartan Sveinsson, and it also features a track with Björk. Her debut solo release Við Og Við was released in 2007 (only in Iceland) and has just reached the states this year. Arnalds is a well-trained musician, having studied both the violin and classical vocals for 14 years (almost half of her life). She’s truly set herself apart from the pack with her solo career. Imaginatively permeating and sweetly bewitching, she’s been compared to the likes of Joanna Newsom and Kate Bush.
It’s incredible that a music community as small as Iceland’s never ceases to produce music that is capable of transcending time. Satisfy your curiosity about this enchanting woman and her music as she adorns the Wexner’s Performance Space tonight at 8pm.
