The Icelandic artist with her remarkable voice has created an extraordinary album with "Astrocat Lullaby".
Ragnheiður Gröndal (Ragga) manages to take the inclined listeners on an adventurous journey through her Folk Pop Jungle.
In the first eight songs, one encounters unconventional rhythms, elaborate arrangements, and a cliché-free gentle voice.
Critics have compared her to Kate Bush and Tori Amos. Ragga gracefully incorporates her Nordic heritage into this endeavor.
The album opens with the summer hit "Bangsi". Soft and smooth like a cat, she presents the ballad "If cats could talk".
More playful and whimsical is "Wise Man Song".
The two bonus tracks "Accidental Hero" and "Puppet Dance" were recorded with the Fancy Toys from England.
These two numbers are pure pop tracks and reflect Ragga's diversity.
A very varied and multifaceted album is presented to the listener.
Ragga has been involved with Icelandic folk music in its various forms from a very early age.
In 2006, she released the album "Þjóðlög" (Folk Songs) on the well-known label 12 Tonar, which propelled her to the top of the Icelandic folk scene.
"Þjóðlög" was nominated as one of the best albums in Iceland.
Ragga is a four-time winner of the Icelandic Music Awards. Her albums have sold over 35,000 copies in Iceland.
After many other projects and solo albums, it is time for Ragga to leave the island and enchant the rest with her fascinating voice and songs.
A tour is planned for spring 2013.
The album will be released on August 31, 2012, and will also be available through MPN.
