Trúbrot were a "supergroup" within the Icelandic rock scene of the early '70s. Three members of
Hljómar and two members of Flowers (two of the most popular groups in Iceland at the time) combined to make this, the first of four albums, in late 1969. The group was not initially greeted with joy by fans of the parent groups; the name
Trúbrot, in fact, is a neologism in Icelandic translating to "Breach of Faith." The debut album, reissued here by Shadoks with six bonus tracks including a pair of non-album singles, covers a range of styles. Several English-language songs are translated into Icelandic and reinterpreted, including
the Beatles' "Things We Said Today" (which becomes the heavy, proto-metallic "Þú Skalt Mig Fá"),
the Supremes' "My World Is Empty Without You" (done in a folky, acoustic guitar and organ arrangement as "Án Þín"), and
José Feliciano's "Rain" ("Hlustaðu Á Regnið"). Female lead vocalist Shady Owens has a clear, slightly sad voice that perfectly suits the jazzy yet frequently aggressive music. Guitarist Gunnar Þórðarson and organist Karl Sighvatsson shift easily between gentle, poppy arrangements and stomping rock in the mold of
Deep Purple or
Steppenwolf, and the rhythm section has a typical late-'60s/early-'70s loose, boogying feel. Any fan of vintage rock not bothered by the Icelandic language will find plenty to like here. ~ Phil Freeman