Seraphina Lotkhamnga on April 13th, 2011

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The music of multi-instrumentalist and producer Ólafur Arnalds (not to be confused with his female singer-songwriter cousin Ólöf Arnalds) is nothing less than cinematic even when taken out of a film context. Arnalds once was simply known as the perfect opening act for fellow Icelanders, Sigur Rós, but has since then quickly transformed into a critically acclaimed artist in his own right by meticulously folding the classical genre into contemporary music. His stunning orchestrations are grooved with pop, rock and sometimes electronica yet maintain an impressively indigenous flow. Transcending his title as composer to avant-garde act, his latest album, “… And they have escaped the weight of darkness,” features his richest and uplifting material thus far. “thú ert sólin,” which translates as “you are the sun,” is tender yet majestic via heavy strings and an evocative piano melody enveloped by lush ambiance.

||| Download: “thú ert sólin”

||| Live: Ólafur Arnalds plays tonight and continues his three-date residency April 19 at the Bootleg Theater.

Photo by Lisa Roze

||| Watch: After the jump, check out his video for “Hægt, kemur ljósið.”