Mugison

Iceland is known for its eccentric, genre-busting musicians. Mugison (real name Örn Elías Guðmundsson) is no exception. Mixing bleak soundscapes, folky songwriting and skewed pop, his first two albums (2003's Lonely Mountain and 2005's Mugimama, Is This Monkey Music?) were made working alone on a laptop. Recorded over three years in Guðmundsson's home studio in a fjord village on Iceland's west coast, new release Mugiboogie is a radical departure. He's swapped his computer for a band and real instruments, and the subtle quirks for shamelessly overblown rock'n'roll. Opening the album, the title track is a remarkable song. With a staccato horn riff merging into marching drums and glam rock guitars, it's reminiscent of beat-heavy British bands such as Kasabian and Primal Scream. "Jesus is a Good Name to Moan" is Guðmundsson's stab at an obnoxious stadium metal anthem. Occasionally, as on "My Love I Love," a tenderer Mugison shines through. But for the most part, Mugiboogie is intense and in-your-face. Listen if you dare.