Ilo - Ilo

Ilo's self-titled debut remains his only album (so far), and it has all the hallmarks of classic Icelandic chill: mellow beats and cool atmospherics right from the first track, "Cyclo." The resounding rhythms of “New Age” and “Humid” reverberate in all directions at once, and “Daywon” wobbles with thick slabs of sound. “Dusk” has the cold intensity of life at an arctic monitoring station, while “Absynth” snaps quietly to life. The guitar work on “Tif” adds a complex delicacy, like a bit of green grass breaking through the permafrost, and “Morgunn” throws in a heavily-filtered, easy-listening orchestra section to leaven the mood. But the track that really stands out is “Artificial Ingredients,” which carries the same delicate impact of Mum’s best work. At once romantic and slightly melancholy, the track drifts on some heavenly layers buoyed by Jara’s hushed vocals. A small gem on an otherwise good album.