Mammut: Karkari Review

Mammut, a five piece band consisting of three females and two males hails from the obscure musical nation of Iceland which has brought us the unique and notable talents of Sigur Ros and Bjork. Take a punk rock attitude with bravado, sprinkle that with a little pop, along with a heavy dose of vocals with heart and bombast and Icelandic lyrics, and you have a recipe which would ultimately lead you to Mammut. The language barrier in America will undoubtedly pit them against a brick wall, but with their talent and passion they can certainly come on strong amongst the fringes of musical listeners.

Vocalist Kata (female) is the focal point of the band. The instruments lay down the groundwork for her intense vocal musings which could ultimately be compared to Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs for her reckless abandoned approach at the mic. Mammut is at their best when they’re pounding away with fast riffs and a screaming tempo which consistently leads to solid melodies as can be seen on"Endir" and "Svefnyskt". At their slower moments the music doesn’t hold up quite as well, but with that said, arguably the strongest piece on Karkari is the more subdued track "Rauoilaekur" - a song which sounds like an invite into the most personal and deepest emotions that are purveyed stunningly through Kata’s pained and soulful voice (I must admit however, I have no idea what the song is about due to the language barrier.)

One trait that I admire more than any in a band is a group with heart, and this five piece band have more than enough to go around. The passion is pure and it shines through on nearly every track.

Grade: B