The fact that Sigur Ros has been as successful as they have is quite an extraordinary feat. Here’s an exceptionally unique band whose songs are usually quite long, largely atmospheric, unconventionally structured and most importantly, not sung in English. Actually, the songs aren’t really sung in any language as vocalist Jon Thor Birgisson makes up his own language, letting his vocals act as another instrument.

After their last release, (), Sigur Ros returns with Takk…, which translates to “thank you” in Icelandic, which is quite interesting as () means “pause” and its predecessor, Agaetis Byrjun , means “an o.k. beginning.” It makes one wonder what will be next as these titles could almost be looked at as a sort of concert analogy – the beginning of the show, the break in between, and then the encores, or thank you’s.

Unlike previous releases, Takk… supposedly sports real lyrics, sung in the band’s native Icelandic, though don’t hold me to that as I’m not really up on my Icelandic these days.

Sigur Ros has also expanded their sound by adding brass instruments to their core four-man lineup, as well as the orchestral instrumentation the band has used previously. I couldn’t tell you who’s playing what, though, as the group is typically cryptic with their artwork and credits. But at least, unlike (), Takk… contains actual titles for its songs.

And the songs presented here are quite good, many with a soothing nursery rhyme feel to them. That said, I feel they’re somewhat less captivating than the tracks found on () and its the breakthrough Agaetis Byrjun. I also find this disc to be the most mainstream of Sigur Ros’ catalogue, as much as a disc full of oddly structured songs sung in non-English can be mainstream.

Still, like the other Sigur Ros releases, I find listening to this disc to be extremely enjoyable, especially if it serves as background music. Sigur Ros’ music is also very good “mood” music, and Takk… fits in nicely with their previous offerings.