When Sigur Ros singer Jonsi sang in English on 2008’s “All Alright” many a Sigur Ros fan was horrified. They believed the eponymous front-man should only sing in the made-up ‘Hopelandic’ language.

I can happily assure anyone with doubts about Jonsi’s first solo effort that “Go” is anything but horrifying. Jonsi sings in English for the majority of this fascinating album, creating an understanding of the man’s lyrics we were previously unable to dissect.

An optimistic outpouring of fun hits you immediately as opening track “Go Do” whirs with beeps, chirps and whistles before a stomping beat grabs your attention. Moments in and Jonsi’s unforgettable voice forces a smile onto your face.

Immediately following Go Do is the beat-stomping Animal Arithmetic. Drums crash and smash around Jonsi’s wonderful lyrics telling us that “We should all be (Oh Oh Oh) Alive!” ensuring that the smile stays firmly in place as the album unfolds.

Featuring string arrangements by Nico Muhly (recently described by The Daily Telegraph as “one of the hottest composers on the planet”), the album swells with aching beauty throughout, whilst never taking over from the focus on Jonsi’s voice. At points, drums don’t seem to match the orchestral arrangements around them, and yet they work in a wonderful manner that can only have been conceived by said ‘hot composer’.

The optimism of the album shines through from the moment you hold it in your hands. The artwork features a monochrome portrait of the singer bursting with colour as he stares into the distance. This one piece of art can accurately describe the album far better than this reviewer can – It’s a fast ride of innocence and wonder told with bursts of joy and innovation.

The album grabs you and it’s not ‘til album closer Hengilás that Jonsi slows down, allowing the listener to finally meditate on the beauty of what they’ve just heard.

A brilliant album that deserves to stand alongside any Sigur Ros classics.

Released April 5th 2010.

Tom Hasson