Description
Múm, a prolific band from Iceland, is recognized for their powerhouse dynamics straddling the boundaries of pop and experimental music, with a dash of indietronica. Established in 1997, the ensemble saw the inception with Gunnar Örn Tynes, Örvar Smárason, and the talented Valtysdóttir twins, Gyda and Kristín Anna. The band made waves within the electronic music sphere and soon embedded itself as an essential component of Iceland’s pop musical fabric, with their work being heralded by acclaimed record companies such as Morr Music and FatCat Records.
Despite the continuous reinvention of their lineup, the band securely held on to their characteristic charm—softly textured vocals, eclectic fusion of electronic beats, and a mixed bag of both conventional and unconventional musical instruments. Early 2006 saw Kristín exit the ensemble, which was officially confirmed only towards the end of the year. The remaining members, Tynes and Smárason, extended the band’s family, enlisting a host of talented musicians, turning Múm into an exciting collective of varying sounds and expertise.
The album ‘Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy’, a product of this eclectic collaboration, hit the music stands in September 2007. This was followed by a series of tours, including a memorable one on the East Coast of the U.S. with the German musician Volker “Hauschka” Bertelmann. Intermittently, Múm also worked on an array of other projects, including the release of a joyous Christmas EP, named ‘Gleðileg Jól’, a unique blend of traditional Icelandic Christmas melodies.
The band’s penchant for pushing the envelope continued, and they released ‘Smilewound’ in September 2013. This album was a testament to Múm’s unwavering dedication to evolution and innovation in their sound. The album, which beautifully blended electronic and classical components, marked the return of original member Gyða Valtýsdóttir after a decade-long hiatus.
In ‘Smilewound’, Múm managed to revisit and revitalise echoes of their early work while infusing a matured finesse. Masterful arrangements of glitchy electronic elements are married perfectly with classical undertones, creating an eerily beautiful sound, particularly noticeable in “Underwater Snow,” a charming symphony of ethereal harmonies that are as invigorating as a gust of icy wind.
From the inception in 1997 to their stellar work in ‘Smilewound’, Mum’s career has been an intriguing tapestry of constant evolution, much like the works of great contemporary musicians as Hippie Sabotage and Zeds Dead. The band has endlessly explored new terrains in music, masterfully experimenting and playing with the dynamic potency of sound, making their journey an exciting exploration of sonic possibilities. The result? A band as vibrant and diverse as a thriving ecosystem, breathing life into every note and beat they produce.
