Amina to Tour with Sigur Ros, Again

AnimaminA is a very brief introduction to Amina, for those who haven’t already become familiar with their steady job touring as opening act and string section for fellow Icelanders Sigur Ros. They’ll be back with Sigur Ros again on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at the Orpheum.

From the immediate tinkering of “Shakka” on the instrumental 4-song debut EP, Amina clearly stake out more impressionistic territory than your typical rock outfit. Especially considering that this is a string ensemble with percussive elements that don’t include a drum kit. Bostonist wants to call their songs ambient, but they’re just too (noticeably) enjoyable. “Hemipode” chimes in with interwoven xylophone and tightly plucked strings encasing the listener inside the workings of an old-fashioned clock. About halfway through, it reveals itself not as an ugly clock but indeed quite a beautiful clock, the kind Bostonist wished we had for our mantle (well, guess we need a mantle too). With a slow, dramatic churn of bowed instruments, “Fjarskanistan” shows how much impact and input Amina have had on Sigur Ros’ last two records.

Fans of SR and Brian Eno will be teased by this tiny output, but should only feel so lucky that Amina is returning to Boston on Tuesday. Having done the string arrangements for SR’s last two albums and played to Berklee and Opera House crowds, they step out with their own release on the fledgling Worker’s Institute label at the Orpheum. Get there early (read: you don’t want to miss this opener), and you will be treated to utterly engaging ambience. See what a glassophone is for yourself. Bostonist can’t wait for wikipedia to catch up with that one. Oh, and did we mention that Sigur Ros is playing with them as well? We told you to get them early so don't blame us if tickets are becoming a bit of a hot commodity.

We've heard the clammer for this show. We're excited for it too. Amina and Sigur Ros together, again. Our friends at Filter felt bad that there wasn't enough capacity for the Sigur and Amina fans in Boston to see them all live-so they've offered up a giveaway. Enter our third contest in as many days after the jump.
Contributed by Michael Walker