It’s been two years since Takk… but the Icelandic group have rewarded patience with a fan-pleasing two disc set (and a live documentary DVD) that indicates they have not rested on their laurels. Entitled Hvarf/Heim, the former disc contains studio versions of previously unreleased tracks while the latter is a disc of acoustic revisions of older material.

Having spent the intervening two years since their last studio album touring, Heim (which translates as ‘Home’) is a testament to the stripped-back acoustic based performances they experimented with during this time. The arrangements prove that at the heart of their epic sweep and lavish production is the strongest of foundations.

After the minimalist beauty of instrumental, “Samskeyti,” singer/guitarist Jónsi Birgisson’s voice takes centre stage. Swooping in an angelic falsetto, as always, but in this case providing a fragile veneer enhanced by the modest instrumentation. Highlights include “Vaka” with its slow-burning mood and melancholy string arrangement (from string quartet come support act Amiina), as well as “Agætis Byrjun” and its hypnotic progression.

Hvarf (which translates as ‘disappeared’ or ‘haven’) consists of five tracks that have previously only been performed live or have since been reworked. As is the case for “Von” and “Hafsól” – two cuts from the band’s first record that have now transformed out of recognition over the years.

After the departure of Heim, this side is a return to the familiar sound of the group’s studio work. “Salka” sounds like an outtake from the ( ) album of 2002, while “Hljómalind” features a straightforward rock song structure but with the uplifting attitude of 2005’s Takk. “í Gær” is an undisputed highlight, contrasting a xylophone introduction befitting of a Tim Burton film in stark contrast to a heavy wash of distortion and haunting Hammond organ.

The aforementioned reworked track “Hafsól” is great to finally hear in a recorded form. Having closed many live sets over the years, it features the unique sound of bassist Georg Holm tapping his bass strings with a drumstick. It builds to an exhilarating climax of pizzicato strings only to give way to (of all things!) a penny-whistle.

Seen together, the two discs may lack the cohesion or overarching feel of an album, but as individual performances and as a retrospective of their career thus far – it’s hard to fault. A modest 11 tracks in total, it is most definitely a case of quality over quantity. Enjoy the varied sound of a band whose self-conscious appraisal and ambitions amount to music that is by turns, beautiful, inventive, challenging and ultimately, rewarding.

Rating: 5 Icelandic gongs!

Read a review of the DVD HERE