IT’S going to be hard, but put any comparisons with Sigur Ros out of your mind when considering the talents of Hjaltalin – about the only thing they have in common is they’re both Icelandic.

While Sigur Ros have made their name by creating strange sounds through almost any medium, Hjaltalin plough a slightly more conventional pop, indie furrow. That’s not to say they don’t have their own sense of adventure – strings and bass are used creatively and charmingly. Instrumental track Kveldulfur is a beautiful scene-setter, while The Boy Next Door and Traffic Music are also huge highlights of what is an impressive opening salvo in the UK.

The challenge for Hjaltalin will be lifting themselves out of the stereotype set by Sigur Ros and establishing their own reputation. In that, Sleepdrunk Seasons isn’t a bad start.