Mum

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• Genre: Noise Pop

About

The quirky, child-like melodies of mum (pronounced moom) are difficult to put into any one category. Like fellow Icelandic artist Bjork, mum defy labels by simply creating experimental pop music that they enjoy instead of focusing on mass appeal. Gunnar Orn Tynes and Orvar Smarason formed the Reykjavik-based ensemble in 1997. Through the years, the duo has collaborated with other Icelandic musicians and has taken an experimental approach to creating quirky music. Mum's swooning arrangements are dotted with all types of strange instruments, but they also use piano, harp and other strings to build their musical collages. Along with extensive touring around the globe, the band has taken time to remix for Goldfrapp and recently joined the National Dutch Chamber Orchestra for a live performance. Embracing their ever-changing roster of musicians, mum view themselves as a musical collective rather than a traditional band.

- Jamie Sanchez