Olof Arnalds - Cornerstone, Manchester, 2/10/2014

  by Nicky Crewe

published: 14 / 11 / 2014

intro

Nicky Crewe watches Icelandic singer-songwriter Ólöf Arnalds play an enchanting set in the Cornerstone in Manchester

I first became interested in Ólöf Arnalds because of a family connection. Her cousin is the Icelandic musician, Olafur Arnalds, a BAFTA winning multi-instrumentalist and producer. Once I started listening to her music I was entranced. So, the opportunity to see her in Manchester was a very welcome one. The Annexe at the Cornerhouse was new territory for me. It turned out to be a lovely space, all wood and exposed brick, glass and white walls, with a balcony overlooking trees and the iconic 60's architecture of Oxford Road Station. So far, so Scandinavian. I went there with a friend who is familiar with Reykjavik, and it wasn’t long before we were chatting to others who had been there, fans of the place and the culture as well as the music. It was that open and friendly approach that set the tone for the evening. The merchandise was left on a table on trust, until Olof’s friend Issi was ready to look after the stall. She chatted to the audience before the show, greeting us like old friends when we passed in a doorway. Skuli Sverrisson, best known as a bass guitarist and composer, accompanied her on guitar and effects. Amazing to get the chance to see him too, but the combination of them together was something special. Ólöf has worked with Bjork. They have both studied classical singing and it shows in the way the voice becomes an instrument, providing dramatic light and shade, passion and emotion. There’s the delicacy of Vashti Bunyan, the drama of Alison Goldfrapp and the swooping register of Joanna Newsom if you are looking for comparisons and similarities. Ólöf did a cover of a Beth Gibbons song amongst her own material, drawing attention to her influence on the Icelandic music scene. I know Ólöf has also covered Arthur Russell songs in the past. He was another classically trained musician who had the ability to create great contemporary music, defying labels and genres. I could have bought her new album, 'Palme', in Icelandic or English, and I realised it wouldn’t have mattered which, because it’s the beautiful sounds she creates. There were old songs like Innudir Skinni and new songs from 'Palme'. She shared stories of her son who had lost two teeth whilst she was on tour, and was waiting for his present from the tooth fairy. It felt like we were being entertained in her living room, a private party. "If music be the food of love, I am one very lucky turtle dove." The audience treated her and Skuli with respect. You could have heard a pin drop as the music bathed us in waves of colour, like the northern lights. Outside Autumn had finally arrived with a cold and starry night. This is the other aspect of northern soul. The land of saga poetry and volcanoes. My friend felt he had been transported back to Reykjavik. I heard people around me describe her as enchanting, captivating, charming, so cute, a nightingale. She is all those things and it was a perfect evening. She was so obviously enjoying herself and the connection with the audience. Margir Takk. to all involved.

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