MINUS
HALLDOR LAXNESS
VICTORY

LINKS:
minus.tv
Who knew Iceland would have more to offer to the music industry than the swan-wearing Bjork? However, don't let the title fool you, the entire album is in English and worth your money. Minus is a punk band signed under Victory Records, the same company that has The Hoods under their list of accomplishments. From "Boys of Winter" to "Last Leaf Upon A Tree" your ears will become addicted to the vocal transformations of Krummi and the evolving changes found within each beat. Its non-commercialized and always grabs the attention of listeners.
Every note from each lyric, guitar, or drumbeat, has a special significance and plays an important role. Every instrument contains an equal partnership within each other as a group, which gives them space to show off their skills to create a hit single. If you're the kind that loves creating mosh pits in concerts, "Who’s Hobo" is ideal for you. You can feel the sensation of hurdling bodies flowing rhythmically upon each other to this track. If you're looking for inspiration, "Angel in Disguise" is also an ideal track. Krummi explores his vocal skills with shouts, grunts, and even moaning, to flow along with the other instruments. He's not merely singing; he's making his voice an instrument to present a song like no other being played. If you're a morbid individual, "Flophouse Nightmares" is your typical wild, angry punk track that will keep the neighbors screaming to shut it down. If you're into drumbeats, Bjossi’s drums play a major in "Here Comes The Night," which cannot be ignored. It's the backbone that makes this song flow so decorously. Not into drums? How about bass and guitar? Johnny, Frosti, and Bjarni show off their strings in "The Long Face." On the other hand, it's the only track that seems more commercialized and ideal to be played on radio stations. If you enjoy the climax of a mellow track evolving into a hair-raising anger, try "My Name Is Cocaine." If you're into technology-based melodies, "Insomniac" will most likely make love to your ears, compared to the previous track. "Last Leaf Upon The Tree" is not only soothing, but also has a female voice, singing each lyric with pure lust. It's mysterious, haunting, and beautiful. To sum things up, Halldor Laxness has something for everyone and cannot fail to be one of the best import punk albums existing today.

----Stephanie Nolasco