Smilewound

by Samuli Kosminen, Hildur Gudjnadottir, Mum, Gunnar Oern Tynes, Gydja Valtysdottir

Overview

Mum defined their approach -- twinkling electronics, wispy vocals, acoustic instrumentation here and there -- so clearly on their first few albums that the rest of the collective's work often seemed caught between staying in place and branching out. They do a little of each on Smilewound, which marks the return of founding member Gydja Valtysdottir, one half of the twin vocalists who helped craft Mum's signature sound. Adding her to the fold again allows the group to revisit the pastoral folktronica of yore, most potently on "Slow Down," a half-speed chase so delicate it sounds in danger of floating away before it can reach listeners' ears. Meanwhile, Hildur Gudjnadottir -- who joined the band with 2007's Go Go Smear the Poison Ivy -- represents the more dynamic, experimental approach of the collective's later work on standouts like the sprightly 8-bit synth-driven workout "When Girls Collide" or the drum'n'bass-tinged "The Colorful Stabwound." Thematically, Mum return to contrasting innocence and danger: "Underwater Snow" pits cozily twinkling pianos against rumbling beats in a way that suggests breaking a snowglobe, while "Candlestick" is Smilewound's most exciting song and one of their most potent mixes of sweetness and violence yet. Over brisk synth-pop, Gudjnadottir flirts by threatening to smash her beloved with the titular blunt object before deciding "I kind of like your face the way it is." It's even catchier than "Whistle," the group's collaboration with pop queen Kylie Minogue, which closes the album with a pretty slice of their signature sound. ~ Heather Phares

Product Details

Release Date:	09/17/2013
Label:	Morr Music
UPC:	0880918812427

Tracks

1. Toothwheels
2. Underwater Snow
3. When Girls Collide
4. Slow Down
5. Candlestick
6. One Smile
7. Eternity Is the Wait Between Breaths
8. The Colorful Stabwound
9. Sweet Impressions
10. Time to Scream and Shout
11. Whistle

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Mum   Primary Artist
Gydja Valtysdottir   Primary Artist,Cello
Samuli Kosminen   Primary Artist
Oervar Poreyjarson Smarason   Primary Artist
Sigurlaug Gisladdottir   Primary Artist
Hildur Gudjnadottir   Primary Artist
Gunnar Oern Tynes   Primary Artist
Anna Hugadottir   Viola
Sigridjur Thorlacius   Vocals
Snorri Helgdson   Vocals (Background)
Gudbjoerg Hlin Gudmundsdottir   Violin
Kylie Minogue   Vocals,Featured Artist
Sindri Mar Sigfusson   Vocals (Background)
Laufey Jensdottir   Violin
Hoegni Egilsson   Violin,Piano
Robert Reynisson   Guitar
Julia Mogensen   Cello
Oloef Arnalds   Vocals

Technical Credits

Alan Douches   Mastering
Helmut Erler   Cut
Eirikur Orri Olafsson   String Arrangements
Hoegni Egilsson   Composer
Robert Reynisson   Composer
Arni Runar Hloedjversson   Producer
Sara Riel   Artwork