Borko: Celebrating Life
I’m a sucker for Icelandic post-rock, and Morr Music is scratching this itch by bringing us bands like Seabear, Múm, and Benni Hemm Hemm. Borko is their latest offering, with the release of Celebrating Life.
Borko, whose actual name is Björn Kristjánsson, began writing Celebrating Life six years ago. During this lapse of time, Borko wrote music for theatre, film and modern dance, and taught in a primary school.
Largely instrumental, Borko layers simple guitar tracks with electronic experimentation, horns, bells, samples and strings. The eight tracks on Celebrating Life are full of color, dynamic and explosive. The electronic tones are intriguing, reminding me at times of old sci-fi sounds effects.
Borko spoke about the elements of life he is celebrating in his album:
“I’m very influenced by loads of great musicians in the music scene here in Iceland. I’m inspired by the kids in the school where I work. I’m inspired by good people, I’m inspired by bad people. I’m inspired by crazy after-parties. I’m inspired by good food. I’m inspired by alcohol. I’m inspired by mirror balls. I’m inspired by noises.”