(PH) Sigur Ros will return to North America this summer to play their first live shows on the continent since 2008. The trek, which will see the band playing major summer festivals in addition to their own headlining shows, will be in support of their forthcoming sixth studio album, Valtari, released on May 29th, 2012 on XL Recordings.
The first track from Valtari, entitled "Ekki m�kk," is now streaming on the band's website � www.sigurros.com.
Valtari � whose English translation is "steamroller" � is Sigur R�s's first studio album since 2008's acclaimed Me� su� � eyrum vi� spilum endalaust, marking the end of their indefinite hiatus. It is either the album they always wanted to make, or the album they almost didn't make, depending on how you look at it. Taken together, the eight songs on this 54-minute album feel like an alternative musical path the band didn't take after 2002's untitled ( ) album. Frequently bereft of formal structures, and for large stretches of time more atmospheres than songs, the work � which the band has described as sounding "like an avalanche in slow motion" � offers a counterpoint to Sigur R�s's steady yet unconscious migration towards public acceptance. Drawing from pieces of music that were began as far back as 2002, as well as long hours spent experimenting in the studio, Valtari is a work of incredible depth, grace and cohesion � and from Sigur R�s, we would expect nothing less.
Following a tour as a core four-piece at the end of 2008, the upcoming shows in North America will feature up to eleven people on stage, creating what are certain to be some of the summer's most magical musical moments.
Tour dates:
7/30/12 Philadelphia, PA @ Skyline Stage at The Mann
7/31/12 Brooklyn, NY @ Prospect Park Bandshell (Celebrate Brooklyn)
8/1/12 Toronto, ON @ Echo Beach at Molson Canadian Amphitheatre
8/3/12 Montreal, QB @ Osheaga Festival Musique Et Arts
8/4-5/12 Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
8/8/12 Seattle, WA @ The Paramount Theater
8/9/12 Troutdale, OR @ Edgefield Amphitheatre
8/12/12 Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Forever Cemetery