Bio: How does a punch in the belly sound? On an evening,
somewhere in the east of Iceland, in a small town, in front of
a small church? Björn Kristiansson ... (more)
Bio: How does a punch in the belly sound? On an evening,
somewhere in the east of Iceland, in a small town, in front of
a small church? Björn Kristiansson has written a song about
it. Or better: after it. After a punch in the belly, somewhere
in the east of Iceland. It’s called “Spoonstabber”, an elegiac
Tetris, (en)capsulated by delaying beats, by tumbling
samples, by guitars, trumpets and a melody that is for
eternity.
„This may sound as a huge cliché but this was a pretty
amazing experience for me. I had never before written a
song after being punched in the belly. Maybe because I had
never been punched in the belly before...?“
For Borko, that’s how the artist Björn Kristiansson calls
himself, this punch has been an obvious unique experience.
Apart from that, “Celebrating Life” is full of experiences: This
album has grown with the years and with the encounters.
The oldest ones of the eight tracks are up to six years old.
Almost since these days Thomas Morr has been their
attentive listener. And early on there has been the wish for a
co-operation. Now, Borko – who also works as a musician for
film and theatre as well as a music teacher at a primary
school in Reykjavik – has joined all tracks together.
Melancholy and rhythm-machines. The passion for the
repetitive and the enthusiasm in explosion. The work with
laptop and mixing desk and the experiences live on stage
that have always been formative for Borko. Childhood’s
progrock- LPs, Jim O’Rourkes’s ear and Electronica’s warmth.
The dramatic heights, that his songs again and again climb to
(“Hondo and Borko”) as well as the stoic play of repetition
and modulation (“Continental Love”).
„I'm very influenced by loads of great musicians in the music
scene here in Iceland. I'm inspired by the kids in the school
where I work. I'm inspired by good people. I'm inspired by
bad people. I'm inspired by the music I listen to from time to
time. I'm inspired by happiness. I'm inspired by sadness. I'm
inspired by the sun and the snow. I'm inspired by crazy after
parties. I'm inspired by good food. I'm inspired by alcohol.
I'm inspired by mirror balls. I'm inspired by noises.“
Sounds, as if Borko is grateful to a lot of people for
“Celebrating Life”. But this album also pays it back more and
more. (less)
