Ampop

Already making waves in their native Iceland, Ampop took to the El Mocambo stage with their characteristically amiable Icelandic charm, on a mission to create some chatter on North American soil. With a sound that unites the sad-boy UK rock influences of singer/guitarist Biggi with the moody atmospherics and, at times, vaudevillian flair of keyboardist Kjartan (a combination that recalls the more sombre moments of Radiohead's Kid A), the trio drenched the room in a rich, melodious stew. The thrashier bits closing their enthralling set added some necessary punch for a band looking to push its own identity out from behind some very obvious musical reference points.