We are providing you with lists and lists of GLBT books to warm you up this winter, so how about a soundtrack to go along with them? May we recommend Sigur Ros’ latest contribution to the cause of eerie beauty, Kveikur. First things first, if you are not aware of Sigur Ros’ work, 1. Slap yourself. 2. Here is a summary: Sigur Ros is an Icelandic band led by gay frontman Jonsi and his one-of-a-kind falsetto. He sometimes sings in Icelandic, and sometimes in a made-up language called Hopelandic. The band produce otherworldly ‘ethereal’ music which is apparently from the genre of ‘post rock’, basically mixing classical and shoe gaze with prog rock to come up with something that will make your ears sing. Kveikur is their seventh album and by far their most forceful. They have shifted from dreamy pop to the long shadows and creaks in the night that nightmares are made of. But it’s still beautiful. And not being able to understand a word of what Jonsi is singing about is as refreshing as ever – you get to make up your own mind and be part of the creativity, rather than being bombarded with MTV crap about booty shaking or seeing beneath someone’s beautiful. The opening track Brennisteinn may actually make you think there is something wrong with your stereo, but the Bjork-like industrial distortion is meant to be there, and is quickly balanced by Jonsi’s calming voice. From there it’s hard to concentrate enough to review something that completely packs your bag for you and sends your subconscious on a holiday somewhere full of glaciers and mossy peaks. Sigur Ros lovers will understand, and will love this new ballsy addition to an amazing body of work. Virgins; do yourself a favour – give your mind some respite with a swooping winter holiday courtesy of Sigur Ros. You can win a copy of Kveikur here Jacqui Stanford - 10th July 2013