It’s been a mammoth year for Ásgeir. Re-releasing his début album In The Silence after translating it into English, playing sold-out shows in countless countries and charting in Australia with breakthrough single ‘King and Cross’, the young Nordic musician finally graced our shores with his presence, sneaking in a few sideshows before his Splendour In The Grass appearance.

Supporting Ásgeir and his band was Brisbane musician Airling, who won Triple J Unearthed’s competition to play at Splendour. Ethereal but powerful, Airling started a little tentatively – but as her set progressed she came out of her shell, exuding confidence. She’s a beautiful songwriter, and so well complemented by her two bandmates who provide a sweet, cohesive sound that’s definitely something to watch.

Though appearing 15 minutes late, the wait for Ásgeir was well worth it, as the lights dimmed and his older brother and bandmate performed an Icelandic chant that filled the Forum Theatre. Walking on to a huge reception, the 22 year-old and his four-piece band played their first track in Icelandic – not exactly what the audience expected, but the audience was into it and there was as much head-bopping as if people did understand what he was saying.

What he’s singing about becomes immaterial, really – whether it’s Icelandic or English, Ásgeir’s voice holds its own and delivers the perfect atmosphere. The combination of traditional instruments and some synths and electronic drums works incredibly well under the soaring falsettos that are in no way diminished in a live setting; it’s as good – if not better – as hearing the record.

Watching Ásgeir’s bandmates it’s evident that they’re supremely talented in their own rights, but equally focused on making the frontman look good. The harmonies that give the album its beautiful, ethereal quality were just augmented live; backing vocalist and guitarist Julius (who wrote some lyrics on the record) working so perfectly with Ásgeir to replicate that spine-tingling sound so perfectly. The pair completely filled the theatre with the rich, warm layers you can hear so distinctly on the album but weren’t sure were possible to replicate live.

A man of few words, Ásgeir chiefly let his music do the talking – only stopping to introduce his band, and talk about their time in Melbourne so far.

“It’s the first time in Australia for all of us – we’ve only been here a few hours and it’s much colder than we expected – It’s hot in Iceland right now! But the people are good, the coffee is good and we’re happy.”

About halfway through the set, the stage went dark except for the one spot at the front Ásgeir himself occupied, and, playing his piano with quiet intensity, whipped out his cover of Nirvana’s ‘Heart-Shaped Box’. It’s a near-perfect cover, striking the balance between being able to hear that timeless Nirvana sound while also managing to totally re-invent it – a definite highlight.

After playing all but one or two songs from In The Silence, Ásgeir and co. returned for a short encore, ending in the stunning ‘Torrent’. Quite drum-based, the song is technically difficult, a layered, polyrhythmic track written in 7/8 time signature – and they pulled it off flawlessly.

Even with what must have been intense jetlag, Ásgeir and his stellar backing band came on and nailed it the performance. There were no moments of weakness, no awkward pauses – their quiet confidence and the honest beauty of the music carried them through the night without the need for any bells and whistles – it was live music at its most sincere; Splendour in the Grass attendees are in for a huge treat with this young musician. We’re so looking forward to watching him grow from here – he’s going to be huge.

Check out the gallery from the show here.

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