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Films on MUBI in July, 2023

MUBI, the streaming service known for sharing some of the best in cinema, have unveiled their list of films for July, 2023. The month will feature some big name directors such as Ken Loach, Gus Van Sant, and Adam McKay among many other great new and established directors in World Cinema.

Our Culture’s Pick of the Month: Return to Seoul (2023)

Davy Chou’s Return to Seoul follows a twenty-five-year-old French woman Freddie who returns to Korea, the country she was born in before being adopted by a French couple, for the first time. She sets out to track down her biological parents, but her path takes a unexpected turn as she explores her identity and relationships close to her.

This is the current list of films on MUBI in July, 2023.

Date Film Name Director Program
1/7/2023 Paranoid Park Gus Van Sant No Comply: Three by Gus Van Sant
2/7/2023 Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man Lian Lunson No Comply: Three by Gus Van Sant
3/7/2023 Dear Comrades! Andrey Konchalovskiy
4/7/2023 Like Someone in Love Abbas Kiarostami
5/7/2023 Un Pur Esprit Mia Hansen-Løve Short Films Big Names
6/7/2023 Birdman Alejandro González Iñárritu Trouble on Set
7/7/2023 Return to Seoul Davy Chou The New Auteurs
8/7/2023 Teen Spirit Max Minghella Turn It Up: Music on Film
9/7/2023 Land and Freedom Ken Loach Ken Loach
10/7/2023 In My Room Ulrich Köhler
11/7/2023 Room at the Top Jack Clayton
12/7/2023 Meet Doug Théo Jollet Brief Encounters
13/7/2023 Opening Night John Cassavetes Under the Influence: Films By John Cassavetes
14/7/2023 Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story Michael Winterbottom Trouble on Set
15/7/2023 L.A. Confidential Curtis Hanson
16/7/2023 20,000 Days on Earth Iain Forsyth, Jane Pollard Turn It Up: Music on Film
17/7/2023 Of Time and the City Terence Davies
18/7/2023 Whores’ Glory Michael Glawogger
19/7/2023 Rude Boy David Mingay, Jack Hazan Rediscovered
20/7/2023 Bend It Like Beckham Gurinder Chadha
21/7/2023 The Big Short Adam McKay
22/7/2023 Brazil Terry Gilliam Robert De Niro Focus (TBD)
23/7/2023 Baghead Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass
24/7/2023 Deep Crimson Arturo Ripstein
25/7/2023 The New Girlfriend François Ozon
26/7/2023 Kokoloko Gerardo Naranjo
27/7/2023 Everybody Loves Jeanne Céline Devaux Debuts
28/7/2023 I’m Not There Todd Haynes Turn It Up: Music on Film
29/7/2023 Monster’s Ball Marc Forster
30/7/2023 Bread and Roses Ken Loach Ken Loach
31/7/2023 Volubilis Faouzi Bensaïdi

Hayward Gallery Present Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis

On the 21st of June, Hayward Gallery will be opening up its latest exhibition Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis. The exhibit will feature fifteen international artists, including Hito Steyerl, Cornelia Parker, Daiara Tukano, Richard Mosse, Jenny Kendler, Grounded Ecotherapy and Ackroyd & Harvey. The exhibition will focus on the emerging climate crisis in hopes of reshaping our view and response to the climate crisis.

Rachel Thomas, Chief Curator at the Hayward Gallery and curator of the exhibition, stated: “The exhibition Dear Earth: Art and Hope in a Time of Crisis brings together three generations of artists who offer us compelling ways to reflect on and reset our relationship to the major environmental issues of our time. Designed to engage us on multiple levels, their artworks are a source of inspiration, hope and resilience. This is an exhibition that aims not to breed despair, but to bring audiences closer to this overwhelming subject in ways that can spark active and imaginative responses.”

The exhibition will run at the Hayward Gallery from the 21st of June until the 3rd of September.

This Week’s Best New Songs: Peggy Gou, Killer Mike, Vagabon, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

This week’s list includes Killer Mike’s ‘Scientists and Engineers’, a hypnotic collab with André 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane that delivers on all fronts; Peggy Gou’s latest single, ‘(It Goes Like) Nanana’, a ridiculously catchy summertime dance anthem; ‘lily pad pupils’, a slow-burning standout from Home Is Where’s new album The Whaler; Vagabon’s ‘Can I Talk My Shit?’, the buoyant lead single from her upcoming LP; ‘I don’t mind’, a gorgeous, mesmerizing single from Brooklyn composer Cassie Wieland’s debut record as Vines; ‘Klettur’, a menacingly dynamic highlight from Sigur Rós’ first album in a decade; and Pretenders’ ‘I Think About You Daily’, a beautifully poignant ballad that’s elevated by Jonny Greenwood’s string arrangement.

Best New Songs: June 19, 2023

Killer Mike feat. André 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane, ‘Scientists and Engineers’

Song of the Week: Peggy Gou, ‘(It Goes Like) Nanana’

Home Is Where, ‘lily pad pupils’

Vagabon, ‘Can I Talk My Shit?’

Vines, ‘I don’t mind’

Sigur Rós, ‘Klettur’

Pretenders, ‘I Think About You Daily’

The Weeknd and Moses Sumney Share New Songs From ‘The Idol’ Soundtrack

The Weeknd has shared a new crop of songs from the soundtrack to HBO’s The Idol. He enlisted Moses Sumney for one of them, a track called ‘Get It B4’, while ‘A Lesser Man’ and ‘Take Me Back’ were co-written with Mike Dean. The latter also features Jason “DaHeala” Quenneville. Check it out below.

In the show, Moses Sumney plays the role of Izzak, a follower of Abel Tesfaye’s character Tedros. The Idol, Vol. 1, which is out June 30, includes the already released tracks ‘World Class Sinner / I’m a Freak’ (with Lily-Rose Depp), ‘The Lure’, ‘Double Fantasy’ (with Future), and ‘Popular’ (featuring Madonna and Playboi Carti).

The Pretenders Share New Song ‘I Think About You Daily’ Featuring Jonny Greenwood

The Pretenders have released a new song, ‘I Think About You Daily’, featuring Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood. It’s the closing track and second single from the upcoming album Relentless, following ‘Let The Sun Come In’. Check it out below.

“I met Jonny a couple of times, and we’re obviously big fans of him because he’s done some incredible music over the years,” Chrissie Hyde said in a statement. “I saw him at the Phantom Thread première where the film was running on screen with a live orchestra playing. And we spoke afterward and he expressed an interest in doing something one day. I was thrilled and very surprised. He also came down to see a Valve Bone Woe show we were doing in the basement of a Pizza Express. So when we discussed the idea of getting strings on ‘I Think About You Daily,’he was the first choice. Legend!”

Greenwood added: “It was a genuine honor to score strings for Chrissie. The arrangement wrote itself because of that voice. She’s one of the greatest singers in popular music, and her continuing passion for creation was an inspiring experience from first the email to the last note of the recording.”

Relentless is due for release September 15 via Rhino.

Amplify English Language Proficiency: Strategies for Rapid Improvement

Amplifying your English language proficiency opens doors to countless opportunities, both personally and professionally. Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate learner, there are effective strategies you can employ to accelerate your progress and achieve fluency. In this article, we will explore practical ways to amplify your English language proficiency, allowing you to communicate with confidence, precision, and cultural understanding. Learning english is the most important factor.

Immerse Yourself in English:

Immerse yourself in an English-speaking environment as much as possible. Surround yourself with English content, such as movies, TV shows, podcasts, music, and books. Listen to English radio stations, join online communities, and engage in conversations with native speakers. By exposing yourself to the language consistently, you’ll become more familiar with its nuances, vocabulary, and pronunciation. This immersion creates an immersive learning experience that reinforces your language skills and accelerates your progress.

Set Clear Goals:

Set clear and measurable goals to track your progress and provide a sense of direction. Determine what aspects of English you want to improve, whether it’s speaking, writing, listening, or reading. Break down your goals into smaller, achievable milestones and create a study plan to stay focused. Regularly assess your progress and adjust your goals as you advance. Having clear objectives will help you stay motivated and accountable, amplifying your language proficiency over time.

Practice Regularly:

Consistency is key when it comes to language learning. Dedicate regular time for practice, whether it’s daily or several times a week. Engage in diverse language activities, including speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Practice with language partners, join conversation groups, or seek out language exchange opportunities. Make use of language-learning apps and resources like English with Lucy that provide interactive exercises and challenges. By practicing regularly, you’ll build fluency, expand your vocabulary, and enhance your overall language proficiency.

Develop Effective Study Habits:

Develop effective study habits that suit your learning style. Create a study routine that incorporates various language learning activities. For example, dedicate specific time slots for vocabulary building, grammar practice, reading comprehension, and listening exercises. Experiment with different techniques, such as flashcards, mnemonic devices, or language learning apps, to reinforce your learning. Actively engage with the material, take notes, and review regularly. Developing efficient study habits will maximize your learning potential and amplify your English language proficiency.

Seek Feedback and Correction:

Seek feedback and correction from native English speakers, language partners, or language tutors. Their insights and guidance will help you identify areas for improvement and correct any language errors. Embrace constructive criticism and actively work on addressing recurring mistakes. Take advantage of online platforms or language exchange programs that facilitate language feedback and correction. This feedback loop will fine-tune your language skills and accelerate your progress towards proficiency.

Embrace Cultural Understanding:

Language proficiency extends beyond grammar and vocabulary; it also encompasses cultural understanding. Embrace cultural immersion by exploring customs, traditions, and idiomatic expressions associated with the English language. Familiarize yourself with the cultural nuances of English-speaking countries, as it will enhance your communication skills and foster cultural sensitivity. Understanding cultural context will enable you to communicate more effectively, appreciate cultural diversity, and build meaningful connections.

Push Beyond Your Comfort Zone:

To amplify your English language proficiency, push beyond your comfort zone and seek challenging language experiences. Engage in discussions or debates on unfamiliar topics, tackle advanced reading materials, or participate in language-intensive activities such as public speaking or writing competitions. Pushing yourself beyond familiar territory builds resilience, expands your language repertoire, and boosts your overall language proficiency.

Conclusion:

Amplifying your English language proficiency requires dedication, consistent practice, and a growth mindset. Immerse yourself in English, set clear goals, develop effective study habits, seek feedback, embrace cultural understanding, and step out of your comfort zone. With these strategies, you’ll rapidly enhance your language skills, communicate with confidence, and unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Remember, progress comes with persistence, so keep amplifying your English language proficiency one step at a time.

How Personalized Crew Socks Enhance Performance and Comfort in Sports?

Personalization has become an important element in the world of fashion and sport. More and more people want to express their uniqueness through clothing, including socks. Socks are an essential part of sports equipment and can have a significant impact on performance and comfort during sporting activities. 

In this article, we will explore how personalized crew socks can enhance your team’s experience. You will also find out more about other boys’ crew sport socks products!

Importance of Choosing the Right Socks for Sports

It’s very important to choose the right socks for sports. Why? Simple — choosing the right socks is key to achieving the best sporting experience. Different sports require different types of socks, tailored to specific needs and requirements. For example, running socks need to provide cushioning and support to the foot and wick away moisture, while basketball socks need to have good ankle support and sufficient padding in key areas. 

What about crew socks? Crew socks are longer than ankle socks but shorter than knee socks.  They extend to the lower portion of the calf and can be folded at the top or pulled higher up. With a texture designed to keep them in place, these socks are popularly known as everyday socks. But they are also suitable for all kinds of sports activities, as they offer excellent support. They also have a vintage look reminiscent of the nineties. What a perfect combination!

Benefits of Wearing Personalized Crew Socks in Sports

Everything’s better when it’s personalized! With our socks, your team will bond even more. Not only do socks reflect uniqueness, but they also make your team even stronger and more connected. Personalization allows you to design your socks to your taste, and this allows you to express your team’s personality and stand out among other teams! Below, we have prepared a few more reasons why personalized sport crew socks are really the right choice!

  • Only your team will have such socks. We prepare the design, especially for you, so we can guarantee that the socks will be something really special!
  • Wear them anytime: Such socks can be worn in leisure time as well as during various sports such as basketball or baseball.
  • Our personalized socks adapt to your foot size and shape. This ensures a better fit and reduces the chance of chafing, blisters, and injuries.

Impact of Personalized Crew Socks on Performance and Comfort

Personalized socks can significantly improve your performance and comfort during sporting activities. With the right technical features and the right fit, you can increase your stability, balance, and sense of control during movement. Better fit and cushioning help to reduce the risk of injury while allowing for greater endurance and comfort during long training sessions or competitions!

Another important thing is team spirit. With personalized socks, you will strengthen the team spirit. Even this little attention can make sure your team feels like one!

Customizing Your Socks for Different Sports Activities

Different sports activities require different socks. For example, running or hiking requires socks with good cushioning, friction resistance, and moisture wicking. For basketball or football, socks with extra ankle support and compression effect to improve circulation are important. With customizable personalization options, you can choose socks to suit your specific sporting needs. We can provide you with ankle socks, no-show socks, socks for basketball or baseball, and more! And what is best? It doesn’t matter which socks you choose. In every case, we will create a great design that will unite your team!

Technical Features of Personalized Crew Socks for Sports

When choosing personalized socks, it is also important to consider their technical characteristics. Our boys’ crew sport socks products will not only provide great design, but also outstanding quality! 

  • Our sport crew socks are definitely durable: They are made from 80% combed cotton, 17% polyamide, and 3% elastane. The quality also ensures that the colors do not wash off when washed.
  • Sport crew socks stay in one place! Wondering why? Because of quality rib stitching.
  • Crafted with durability in mind, these socks are built to withstand the demands of a long day, because they’re reinforced in the heel and toe.

In conclusion

Personalized sport crew socks can make a significant contribution to improving performance, comfort, and team spirit! The right choice of technical features, fit, and support in key areas can improve your sports performance and reduce the risk of injury. 

In addition, the personalization of socks allows you to express your uniqueness and personality, which is important for many of us. If you want to learn more about boys’ crew sport socks products and share your thoughts and experiences, we invite you to connect with us! Together we can enhance your experience and create unique sport crew socks that inspire your team!

Embrace Modernity and Function with These Church Sanctuary Chair Design Trends

Church chair seating design has transformed throughout history. Today, seating is more focused on comfort and personal space above all else. If your sanctuary is updating its interior, now is the perfect time to embrace modernity with these design trends.

The Rise of Modern Church Sanctuary Chair Designs: A Brief History

Today, chairs for church sanctuary services are comfortable, ergonomically designed and aesthetically pleasing. But church chairs haven’t always been this way.

From the 17th to the 19th centuries, churches with pews or chairs charged rent for anyone wanting the privilege of sitting during service. Only affluent individuals and those with high social standing could afford church chair rents.

In the late 1800s, church seating changed as social barriers were torn down. More churches began adding seating for all congregation members. Renovations were arduous and lengthy.

From here, church seating evolved. Pew seating was the standard for most churches until relatively recently, when chairs emerged as the most common seating option.

Today, individual church chairs are becoming the norm. Churchgoers prefer seating that gives them personal space and is comfortable enough to sit for long periods of time. The more comfortable the chairs, the more focused members could be on worship.

With a better understanding of how church seating has evolved throughout history, sanctuaries can fully embrace modernity and incorporate chairs that match the congregation’s style.

How to Incorporate Modern Church Sanctuary Chair Trends with Your Congregation’s Style

When embracing modernity with sanctuary seating, church chair seating design will play a big role in the decision-making process. One growing trend is incorporating chairs that match the congregation’s style.

Many churches are still choosing neutral decor and chair colors, but others are stepping outside of their comfort zones to add chairs that match their church’s interior and existing furniture.

To follow this trend:

  • Consider purchasing your church chairs at the same time that you are purchasing other furniture. For example, if you are a church sanctuary with tables and chairs, then buy both your chairs and tables at the same time. Taking this approach will allow you to buy items with similar aesthetics, and it also ensures that your furniture ages at the same time. 
  • Consider the church’s permanent features, like its windows or the shape of the building. Use these features as inspiration when choosing your church chairs to find styles and colors that match.

Choosing chairs that match the church’s style ensures that your seating remains timeless and relevant in the years to come.

Ergonomic Church Sanctuary Chair Designs for Comfort and Functionality

Another modern design trend in sanctuary seating is ergonomics. Comfort and functionality are top priorities for churches today.

For example, the top-selling church chairs by ComforTek feature:

  • Specially designed backrests for added lumbar support and comfort.
  • Waterfall cushions for better ergonomics and comfort, even when sitting for long periods.
  • Cold-cured foam for exceptional comfort and cushion resiliency.

Ergonomic features add to the comfort and functionality of church chairs. This is one design trend that won’t be going anywhere anytime soon.

Materials and Color Schemes for Modern Church Sanctuary Chairs

A growing trend in modern sanctuary chairs is a focus on:

  • Using sustainable and eco-friendly materials
  • Neutral colors for upholstery
  • Minimalistic designs

More churches are opting for sustainable fabrics and materials when investing in new church chairs. Today, manufacturers offer affordable options that are eco-friendly and durable. Sanctuaries can reduce their environmental impact while still ensuring that their investment is a long-lasting one.

Neutral colors are also the standard choice for sanctuaries today. Gray, sandstone, brown, black, red and deep blue hues are the most popular choices because they complement most modern interiors.

When it comes to design, churches also prefer the minimalistic approach. Simple but classic church shapes and designs ensure that their seating looks great for years to come.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking to modernize your church sanctuary with tables and chairs, these trends can help you create a space where members feel comfortable and welcomed. Focus on ergonomics and neutral colors to keep your members happy. But don’t forget to choose chairs that complement your church’s style. Finding the right mix of design elements is the key to choosing effective seating your congregation members will appreciate.

Why Are Kratom Bars Becoming Popular For Night Outs?

Many people are searching for “Why Are Kratom Bars Becoming Popular For Night Outs?” which shows the growing popuylarity of Kratom. It comes in various strains like red, yellow, white, and green. These strains further help make kratom powders, extracts, capsules, shots, tinctures, etc. Apart from all this, Kratom bars have come to light in current times. They are becoming increasingly popular among emerging and enthusiastic users, offering a great place to socialize, relax, and enjoy drinks infused with botanical products. These bars also provide an excellent environment for wellness and educational events. These activities help users learn more about the herbal alternative, its effects, and how to consume it safely. You can check also these red sumatra kratom for sale

Know About Kratom Bars

Kratom bars are a type of bar that serves drinks and food infused with the botanical Kratom. One of the biggest reasons they’re becoming so popular is their ability to help people relax and unwind. These bars have a chilled atmosphere that allows people to throw away their worries, and the rustic decor adds to the relaxed vibe of the place.

Another reason why these bars are so popular is that they’re a great place to socialize. These bars are a safe environment for the users to get together and chat about their experiences with the herb. They also provide a great way to meet and form lasting relationships with new people.

A good bar is where people can feel free to talk about their experiences with Kratom and get valuable advice from others who use it. This factor allows them to learn from their mistakes and avoid making them in the future.

Why Are Kratom Bars Preferred For Night Outs?

They Are A Great Place To Socialize

Kratom bars provide a fun place to socialize and learn more about it. So people gradually prefer them for night outs with their friends. They also have a relaxing atmosphere and good food, which helps customers relax and feel more at ease. Unlike traditional bars, these bars are not crowded and ideal for studying or working. They are also an excellent place to meet and build relationships with other users.

Some bars have an art-centric interior, which helps you relax and have a good time. They also have chill music, perfect for socializing with friends or loved ones. They have a relaxed atmosphere, a variety of drinks, and friendly staff.

These bars have a great staff, an aesthetically pleasing interior, and a wide variety of Kratom drinks that will challenge your creativity. The Kratom drinks contain high-quality Kratom, making them taste better and have a more natural effect. You can also ask the bartender for pre-made drinks to save yourself the trouble of making your own.

Some Kratom bars have creative nooks to play board and tabletop games. They may also have themed nights or events that are fun for all ages. They also have a relaxing atmosphere and great food, so you can relax with your friends while enjoying your favorite drink.

They Offer A Variety Of Drinks

These bars offer a variety of drinks, including kava and Kratom-laced beverages. They also provide a relaxing atmosphere and are open seven days a week. They are, therefore, becoming a great place to hang out with friends.

You can choose from various Kratom and kava-infused beverages, including teas, coffees, smoothies, and more. You can even try a kava-infused chocolate bar to experience the unique effects and benefits of Kratom differently.

They Have A Relaxed Atmosphere

Another reason why Kratom bars are becoming more popular is because they are a safe way to relax without risking a bad hangover. This concern is a big deal in traditional bars, where you can drink alcohol and risk a nasty hangover the next day. Some bars even have a unique collection of products you can purchase. These items may include teas, tinctures, and other Kratom-infused beverages.

These bars are becoming increasingly popular for relaxing after a long day or socializing with friends. They offer a range of drink options and are a great location to interact with new people. In addition, this bar can be an excellent place for people to enjoy their favorite food items after a long day. These bars typically have a wide selection of high-quality dishes that appeal to various tastes. The environment, the music, and the drinks help users to relax and unwind when they come to these bars.

They Have Good Food

Food is also essential to a great bar experience, and most bars serve high-quality foods that pair well with their drinks. You’ll find plenty of pastries and baked items, including bagels, muffins, croissant sandwiches, and more. They’re an excellent way to avoid the earthy taste of Kratom and have something sweet and delicious to enjoy while you drink.

The food can help you relax and stay calm while drinking a Kratom drink, which promotes peace of mind. Moreover, most bars have good staff who can answer product questions. This setup can help you feel confident about buying from their store.

They also have knowledgeable bartenders who can tell you the best drink to order and how to make it correctly.

Final Thoughts

You will need to find the right bar for you. Some places are better than others, but there’s a wide range of choices. You can visit multiple Kratom and Kava bars till you find the perfect one that ticks all your boxes. You can start with a quick google search to locate some of these hangout spots in your area. Alternatively, you can visit a forum like Reddit to read reviews about a bar. Once you discover it, you will enjoy returning to it. Besides, people may also search for products like kratom vape pen to carry to the bars. However, they should research it thoroughly and know how to use it before they decide to carry them to places.

Album Review: Sigur Rós, ‘ÁTTA’

You don’t need me to tell you the new Sigur Rós album is breathtaking and almost alien in its beauty. No matter how you found out about its existence – when a new record was confirmed a year ago, when the first single ‘Blóðberg’ arrived earlier this week, when it was formally announced just yesterday, or right about now – the simple fact that it’s here should be enough to invoke all those sonic signifiers. What I do feel compelled to remind you is that ÁTTA is the band’s first proper album in a decade. They’ve still made their presence felt over the years, gracing us with an array of mixtapes, singles, anniversary releases, a solo album from Jónsi, and majestic live performances, all of which occasionally felt like glimpses of what lay on the horizon. Perhaps it’s not until you press play on ÁTTA that you realize just how much you’d missed the gravity and world-building that comes with a full-length Sigur Rós record, so unlike the shot of nostalgia that wears off after catching a snippet of their music on some film. The singular effect of their graceful melodies and ineffably expressive vocals felt like something you could always rely on but, naturally, never fully emulate.

Is that, rather than any meaningful stylistic progression, the real promise of this kind of return? To make something vital in its familiarity, that still no band out there can even come close to producing? As they tell it, when multi-instrumentalist Kjartan Sveinsson – who left the group in 2012 and has since rejoined the lineup – visited Jónsi in LA, there was no plan to start laying down a new album; of course it kind of floated out of the ether. There were things on their mind, though. “We’re always thinking about climate change, doom-scrolling and going to hell,” Jonsí said in press materials, and “the world felt a bit bleak making this album.” Sveinsson added: “After COVID and everything, people just need something nice.” Words have always felt a little powerless when it comes to Sigur Rós’ music, so sure: nice.

If the album turned out to be anything other than stupendously pretty, fans could justifiably take it as a sign that we really are living in end times. Again, I don’t need to tell you that it is invariably pretty. Those craving the gnarled immediacy of 2013’s Kveikur, though, might be surprised that the band is back to being more patient and elusive with their grandeur. That’s not to say the songs on ÁTTA are formless or monotonous, but it’s best experienced as a single lush, malleable piece, one that’s subtly surprising for how it earns and dispenses with drama. After opener ‘Glóð’ unspools in glorious fashion, we get ‘Blóðberg’, the second longest track on the album, which plays out as an intimate dance between Jonsí’s tender vocals and the grand orchestration from the London Contemporary Orchestra, conducted by Robert Ames. As reminiscent as it is of their classic albums, it feels like a daring choice.

With Sigur Rós having to retool their sound after the departure of drummer Orri Páll Dýrason, part of what makes ÁTTA stand out in their discography is its sparse fluidity. Following ‘Blóðberg’, you get the sense that the music is constantly trying to pull itself together from a desolate place. Yet it directs its attention inward more than it looks to the heavens, and the few times it does, it serves as a necessary glimmer of hope. The introduction of a pulse on ‘Klettur’ feels like a magnanimous gesture on an album that, on the whole, could use a little more heft; but it’s whenever the beat recedes that the track reaches its most soaring moments, with celestial strings that sway like they’re stretching out from opposite ends of the sky. On ‘Skel’, which Jonsí has described as “the emo song,” a pained intensity wells up and then just dissipates, taking the time to soak in the impact. But it’s ‘Gold’ that might go down as one of the band’s most emotional songs; the beat is even fainter and all I can really glean from the lyrics is an echo of the words “anyway,” “all,” maybe “dying”? It’s enough to tie your stomach into a knot.

In its first half, ÁTTA teases a sense of momentum that doesn’t really build back up until the very end, at which point you question whether that is really the music’s primary concern. When the group sounds so comfortable sitting with what might possibly be contentment on songs like ‘Ylur’, it’s hard to long for any sounds that could get in the way of it, even if the results are more often just gorgeous than ecstatic or volcanic, as they have been described in the past. And while it would be absurd to try to attach a narrative to any of it, there is a satisfying richness to the album’s conclusion that doesn’t arrive by means of a dynamic finale so much as the achievement of balance: Even on a track as seemingly downcast as ‘Fall’, all the elements align and glisten, tugged together and far less vaporous than ‘Blóðberg’. That’s when the record feels like a breath of fresh air, which is better than any hyperbolic praise you might, before even listening, be poised to throw at it.