GusGus is supposed to be the best Icelandic band of 2011. In fact there were many interesting events concerning Icelandic music in 2011. Some of them were interesting only for locals and for some reason are unknown for foreigners. For example, HAM and Mugison got cult status in Iceland and became actual cult icons in the country. Unfortunately these bands are not so popular abroad. Anyway many Icelandic groups became popular in Europe and America. Among them are Of Monsters and Men, Agent Fresco. As for the well known performers then Bjork released a new album in 2011.
GusGus seems to be a leader of the last year. It was founded in 1995. By 2011 they have released 8 studio albums. They became famous among electronic musicians. At different times the lineup of the band included Stephan Stephenson, Sigurður Kjartansson, Stefán Árni Þorgeirsson, Magnús Jónsson, Baldur Stefánsson, Ragnheiður Axel, Urður Hákonardóttir, and many others. Nowadays the lineup of the group includes President Bongo, Biggi Veira and Daníel Ágúst Haraldsson.
Probably the varied lineup explains eclectic style of the band. Many of them have absolutely different background in music. As the rule the style of the group described as techno, trip-hop, house music. They describe themselves in the following way, “We are such techno dudes it’s almost embarrassing. But techno means different things to people nowadays… This is when things get complicated”. At the same time it is quite difficult to describe their style in general. “Words don’t really describe anything in music strongly as the music itself”. The band worked along with Bjork, Sigur Ros, Moloko, Depeche Mode, and Ian Brown.
The album Arabian Horse GusGus released last year is admitted to be the best one. It became popular not only in Iceland but all over the world. The album sound fresh and new. At the same time it is very recognizable.
