Amiina
Amiina |
---|
Amiina (formerly Amína and Aníma) is an Icelandic quartet comprising Hildur Ársælsdóttir, Edda Rún Ólafsdóttir, Maria Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir, and Sólrún Sumarliðadóttir. They frequently perform live and in the studio along with Sigur Rós.
Theirs is a minimalist style incorporating contemporary classical viol parts, ambient electronic loops, and metallophones. The band is known for using a great number of instruments in their concerts, and for members' moving from one instrument—and side of the stage—to another mid-song, often after sampling.
The group which was to become Amiina first formed as a string quartet, with María and Hildur on violins, Edda on viola, and Sólrún on cello. It is as a string quartet that Amiina have done their recorded work with Sigur Rós, notably on the award-winning album ( ) as well as its follow-up, Takk....
Their first commercially-available recording was the four-track EP Animamina. This was followed by their first single, "Seoul". Their first full-length album, Kurr, was released March 21, 2007, through the band's own label, Bláskjár. It was re-released by Ever Records in June 2007.
When Sigur Rós ceased touring in July 2006, Amiina followed with their first solo tours of Europe and America in October and November. Following the release of Kurr, they toured North America in March and April and Europe in May.
The song "Hilli" was released on December 10, 2007 as the second single from the album Kurr. It is a collaboration between Amiina and Lee Hazelwood whose vocals (the last recording before his death) are mixed with a reworked version of the original song.
Amiina appeared in the Icelandic movie Brúðguminn released early 2008
Members
- María Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir
- Hildur Ársælsdóttir
- Edda Rún Ólafsdóttir
- Sólrún Sumarliðadóttir
Instruments
- Electronic
-
- Compact synthesizer
- Digital piano
- Metallophones
-
- Celesta
- Glockenspiel (which they sometimes bow)
- Viols
-
- Cello
- Viola
- Violin
- Zithers
-
- Gideon harp (external description; also called a "table harp")
- Other
-
- Call bells (also called "office" or "reception" bells)
- Glass harp
- Kalimba
- Mandolin
- Musical saw
Discography
Albums
EPs
Singles
Compilation inclusions
- Screaming Masterpiece (2005)
- Kitchen Motors Family Album/Fjölskyldualbúm Tilraunaeldhússins (Spring 2006)