LIVE REVIEW: Eivør @ New Century Hall, Manchester
EIVØR, an artist from the remote Faroe Islands, can transport her audience away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Her recent concert at the legendary New Century Hall, Manchester, was no exception. Providing a near-spiritual experience that resonated deeply with everyone in attendance, the cold night was further enhanced by opening acts ELINBORG and ÁSGEIR, whose music created an inviting atmosphere that perfectly set the stage for a transcendent journey through sound, allowing listeners to escape reality for a few hours.
ELINBORG, EIVØR’s younger sister and an artist in her own right, made a striking impression, marked by minimalist arrangements and ethereal vocals. Opening with Til Myrkurs, she quickly captured the audience’s hearts with her hauntingly clear voice. Standout moments included Vatnsins Verur, which evoked the sensation of calm beneath a sunlit ocean, and the emotionally charged pieces Troyst and Sjórok. Each song, sung in her native language, conveyed deep emotions – exploring themes of loss, longing, and love’s complexities, especially in the adoring Blow. Though the set was brief, its impact was profound, showing exceptional talent, and ELINBORG solidified her status as a unique artist worthy of recognition.
From the first notes, ÁSGEIR‘s rich, distinctive voice and masterful musicianship drew the audience in. His set seamlessly blended elements of electronica, pop, and jazz while retaining a personal Icelandic touch. The haunting Dream, the delicate forthcoming single Julia, and the catchy Ferris Wheel showcased ÁSGEIR’s ability to create both innovative and true music. His performance of Icelandic-language songs was particularly enchanting, inviting the audience into his cultural roots. The enthusiastic reaction from Manchester was enough to show the night’s success from ÁSGEIR’s immersive journey, which combined technical skill with genuine emotion as a live artist.
Rating: 8/10
From her opening songs Jardartrá and Salt, the Faroe Island enchantress showed how the eyes of Manchester were captivated from her earthy power to ethereal delicacy. The performance exemplified dynamic range and emotional storytelling, effortlessly transitioning between primal drumbeats and atmospheric soundscapes. With fan favourites like Gullspiunnin and Í Tokuni prompting enthusiastic crowd participation, smiles, and a palpable sense of camaraderie. EIVØR’s contributions to the TV series The Last Kingdom, which features a visual tunnel with the medley Threads of Life / Main Theme / Hymn 49, illustrated her talent for evoking cinematic universes, while the haunting “Boxes” provided poignant reflections on moving forward while honouring the past. So Close To Being simmered with an underlying country-tinged energy, hinting at dark themes beneath the surface and EIVØR’s rendition of PINK FLOYD’s Us and Them, performed alongside ÁSGEIR, displayed their harmonies soaring and infusing the classic with a new emotional depth that left New Century Hall visibly moved.
The energy continued to build as EIVØR was joined by her sister ELINBORG for a spirited rendition of Upp Úr Øskuni, their shared joy an infectious highlight as the night reached its pinnacle. The encore of Trøllabundin, Falling Free, delivered an earth-shaking finale, washing away any lingering resistance and leaving the crowd in collective awe. EIVØR’s artistry went beyond technical skill and transcended genre boundaries. The audience’s emotional investment was evident. One could hear a pin drop during quieter moments, followed by bursts of applause after every song. EIVØR is a rare talent, capable of changing lives and transporting listeners to different realms through her music. This was a testament to the profound power of a truly great artist.
Rating: 9/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Manchester from Sabrina Ramdoyal Photography here:
Like EIVØR on Facebook.