Apr 27, 2018

Those not fully keyed into record store day this year will find today’s digital release of the experimental Sigur Rós album Route One a total surprise…a very nice one. Originally one in a series of four limited-edition vinyl albums, all unusual in their own way, for record store day U.K. (April 21), Route One was made available to stream and download today. The album’s genesis is explained best on the band’s website:

On the longest day of summer 2016, Sigur Rós drove the whole way ‘round Iceland’s ring road, broadcasting the entire 1332km journey live on youtube. the soundtrack to this “slow tv” adventure was created using generative music software taking the multi-track stems of the Sigur Rós song ‘óveður’ and endlessly reinventing them to create new and unpredictable musical directions in real time. The very best moments from the 24-hour journey have now been pared down to a single album of great and reflective beauty. 8 tracks.

Route One is mysterious and gorgeous and conveys the feeling of winding, scenic roads in the Icelandic mist. Get lost: