Benni Hemm Hemm is, or rather are, from Iceland. Which is why his music garners the predictable references to Sigur Rós, Múm and so on. It helps that his two albums to date see his plaintive, heartworn indie-folk broadened and deepened by the contributions of members of both bands, of course, but don’t be deceived into thinking that this makes for a downbeat, whispery Sunday night affair. If there are similarities with his kinfolk, it’s their confident, pounding, (careful) anthemic latter-day work you’re reminded of when listening to the warm brass, lugubrious vocals and swooning strings of 2007’s Kayak album. Throw in a little of Sufjan Stevens’ kitchen-sink ambition, Jens Lekman’s boyish indiepop croon and even Broken Social Scene’s strident anthemicism and try not to break into a big, daft grin. Go on, try.
Really impressive-sounding supporting line-up for this one too, hand-picked with the care and attention one comes to expect from Loose. Yucatan, in particular, are an ideal foil for BHH; Caernarfon’s own S***r R*s, goes the word, and there’s certainly a lot in their slow-building emotional sweep to back that up. Among Brothers, meanwhile, cite similar influences while adding a little more of the acceptable side of contemporary arena balladry – the rolling and clicking machine-room twinkle familiar from the likes of Elbow and Efterklang, the military drumrolls and breast-beating chants of a Twilight Sad. Compliments, these, in case you’re wondering. Finally, get there early for Arctic Circle, drawing from their Bristolian contemporaries much as Benni Hemm Hemm does with Iceland and bearing gorgeously inward-looking, hushed lo-fi songs with the Pastels’ deliberate, naive charm and a cute electronic heart.
Oh, and some of your Joy Collective pals will be spinning the platters that never mattered in between the bands. Come and throw crisps at us, perhaps? But do come. It’s only a fiver.
BENNI HEMM HEMM (members of Sigur Ros/Mum)
YUCATAN
AMONG BROTHERS
ARCTIC CIRCLE
& Joy Collective DJs
Sunday 28th March
7.30pm-3am *early start*
£5 entry
BENNI HEMM HEMM is Icelandic Benni and friends, now based in Edinburgh. Sometimes performing with up to 30 members, this show will be as a 3-4 piece including brass players from SIGUR ROS / MUM.
Benni Hemm Hemm produces a feel-good take on folk/indiepop and orchestrated country-pop with heart-wrenching lyrics. A must for fans of Jens Lekman, Loney Dear, Sufjan Stevens, Seabear, The Decemberists and the Elephant 6 collective. Benni will be releasing a new EP ‘Retaliate’ on Kimi Records in April.
Benni Hemm Hemm MySpace
Yucatan MySpace
Among Brothers MySpace
Arctic Circle MySpace
