Sigur R??s--the sound of snow-capped peaks. Or winged things flocking over vast plains. Or salmon making that final courageous, muscular leap upstream, homeward bound. Ever since the BBC so aptly enlisted the help of their "Hoppipolla" single to theme their groundbreaking natural history series Planet Earth, the ever-ethereal Icelandic band have become somewhat typecast, finding themselves conducting the awe across the backdrops of nearly every other programme in that broad genre. And with that came the danger that all which followed would automatically become an instant cliche. And though their last album Takk saw a slowing of their evolution in favour of solidifying the established sound in accessible earfuls, the reassuringly unpronounceable Me?? Su?? ?? Eyrum Vi?? Spilum Endalaust (which translates as "with a buzz in our ears we play endlessly") sees enough of a stylistic twist to keep things moving, without undercutting this new approachability. Where previously they sounded untouched by human hands, all alien post-rock abstractions, they now sound much more organic, sometimes literally like men playing instruments in a room. Albeit pensively, and extraordinarily. It is a perky record, attentive and exquisite, familiar but not derivative. The rhythmically adventurous "Gobbledigook" reminds of Brooklyn experimentalists Battles, unplugged, the xylophone heavy "Inn?? M??r Syngur Vitleysingur" is this album???s "Hoppipolla" and "Ara Batur" is trembling, lonely and eventually triumphant. "Festival", the album???s centrepiece, melds the old and new Sigur R??s dramatically over nine majestic minutes and must number amongst the best moments of their career. --James Berry

I think this album is a transitional one for Sigur Ros. They've become a band that had a specific sound and they were no doubt aware that they needed to develop their style to avoid stagnation.

With their latest release there are clear signs that the band wanted to make a different kind of a record. The songs are shorter, more acoustic sounding and generally more upbeat. They've tried to rely less on tried and tested ways of working and moved towards spontaneity and improvisation.

At least half of the album sounds a little different for Sigur Ros especially with the single "Gobbledegook" with its tribal drumming, hand claps and chanting. A couple of the tracks almost border on indie pop which would have been very out of place on the "( )" album from a few years ago.

The rest of the album is on more familiar ground but at the same time it doesn't feel like a band going through the motions. The track "Festival" bridges the two styles of the album by sounding beautifully sad and slow to begin with and then upbeat and euphoric towards the end.

If there was one criticism it's only that taken as a whole it feels more like a collection of songs than a carefully constructed album. Previous releases felt like they had been carefully planned out whilst this one feels more like a collection of songs that they happened to be working on at the time (if this makes sense).

I think it will be interesting to hear what they do next. They've had the courage to try out new ideas so who knows what this will lead to?

Ive been a fan of Sigur Ros for quite a while now. I became accustomed to the etherial and powerfull sounds of Takk and (). The new album however is totally different. Its faster, happier and more enjoyable to listen to. Not that the others weren't, its just this new approach by Sigur Ros is just absolutely staggering. The jaw droppingly powerfull sounds of 'Ara Batur' keeps its roots firmly locked in to older albums, while the new 'Via Spilum Endalaust', 'Inn?? m??r syngur vitleysingur' and 'Gobbledigook' are incredibly different. With their upbeat tempos, group chanting and general 'happiness', they are some of the best on the album.

This is easily as good as their previous albums. I couldnt however say it is better then the almight Takk. I dont think any album will be able to compare that triumph of music. But if you are a divoted Sigur fan, and to be honest, you have to be to realy appreciate them, then this is a must have.

In one word - Stunning.

This, the fourth album proper from the band, starts well with two songs that sound fresh, lively and a little different before normal service is resumed with mixed results. I wish they'd continued with the sunnier upbeat vibe of those opening tracks and made this their summer album (I already see 'Agaetis' as their wet behind the ears Spring album and '( )' their chilly winter disc). When compared to the previous three albums you'd have to conclude that this is the weakest but it is still an enjoyable listen.

The next album will be the real test for the band as more of the same might not be enough to keep everyone interested.

I'm new to sigur ros - stumbled on to them via mtv 'inside me a lunatic sings' ('inni mer...', the 2nd track) it's on youtube.

very creative watchable band, please give a try if you like killers, muse, mgmt, beatles, arcade fire - this group has elements of all and we are going to enjoy this amazing talent for years to come hopefully. other tracks are on my first hearing are just as compelling. Better than bjork!

I love Sigur Ros, and this is a fine album but I cannot help but feeling disappointed. It is indeed another step towards more mainstream audiences, with noise levels toned down and awkward silences ridden of - but this isn't the problem, it's only natural that this would have happened. The problem is that the pain is gone, and without it their music is just some interesting arrangements and atmospheric tunes.

Takk was more commercial that the masterpiece that is ??gaetis Byrjun, but the levels of emotion remained high. Even the last release before this album, the single Hljomalind, which was their first proper pop song structurally, retained some grittiness.

This album, however, loses that almost completely. The first track, Gobbledigook, is unique and raises expectations for what's next, but it is then followed by Inni Mer and Vith Spilum, two tracks that are simply - I know, blasphemy, but - awful! They are like Hoppipolla without the soul, which leave them sounding a bit like Scandinavian Eurovision entries. Things improve from the 6th track onwards, but they never peak.

It is still a good album of course, but a massive disappointed. I've tried to give it time to grow on me, but as time goes back it just sounds more average.