Mánar -

Mánar was an Icelandic post-psych band that released two singles and a 1971 self-titled album.

Members: Ólafur Þórarinsson (vocals, guitar, flute), Björn Þórarinsson (organ), Guðmundur Benediktsson (vocals, piano), Smári Kristjánsson (bass), Ragnar Sigurjónsson (drums)

Background

Mánar formed in Selfoss in 1967 with guitarist–singer Ólafur Þórarinsson, guitarist–singer Guðmundur Benediktsson, drummer–singer Ólafur Bachmann, and bassist Stefán Ásgrímsson. Þórarinsson and Benediktsson had played together since age thirteen in the trio Bimbó.

Singer Arnór Þórhallsson joined for a brief summer stint. By 1968, Benediktsson left and Mánar hired organist Björn Þórarinsson, a veteran of earlier Selfoss bands. Ásgrímsson gave way for bassist Björn Gíslason, who in turn cleared out for Smári Kristjánsson.

In 1970, Mánar released two singles on SG-hljómplötur.

A1. “Einn, tveir, þrír” [One, Two, Three]
B1. “Útlegð” [Exile]

A1. “Þú horfin ert” [You Are Gone]
B1. “Frelsi” [Freedom]

Mánar

Mánar released their self-titled album in December 1971 on SG-hljómplötur.

The album credits guitarist–flutist–singer Ólafur Þórarinsson, pianist–singer Guðmundur Benediktsson, organist Björn Þórarinsson, bassist Smári Kristjánsson, and drummer Ragnar Sigurjónsson.

“Litli fuglinn” is a lyrical ballad with plucked acoustics, ivory glare, and sonorous vocals; parted for a subtle organ-flute midsection. “Ég horfi á brimið” opens loud with an urgent ensemble riff (in Dm) that heralds stern verse processions. “Haustregn” hews quieter with piano-paced flute and somber snare-signaled verses; tightening midway for a stately march (in Am).

“Villi verkamaður” intercuts coiling fuzz leads (in C) with upright barroom thump. “Sandkorn” sets earnest harmonies to a humble piano arrangement. “Prelúdía í A moll” weaves flute and chamber strings around a romantic classical etude, sans vocals. “Þriðja Heimstyrjöldin” lurches forth with searing leads against a descending Hammond riff; cut with stern piano blocks for the harrowing war-themed narrative, enacted through the “battlefield” middle.

A1. “Líf þitt” [Your Life] (2:21) — Guðmundur Benediktsson, Smári Kristjánsson
A2. “Hvers vegna?” [Why?] (3:07) — Benediktsson
A3. “Söngur Satans” [Song of Satan] (3:21) — Ólafur Þórarinsson
A4. “Litli fuglinn” [The Little Bird] (2:20) — Þórarinsson
A5. “Ég horfi á brimið” [I Watch the Surf] (2:28) — Þórarinsson
A6. “Leikur að vonum” [A Game of Hopes] (2:56) — Þórarinsson

B1. “Haustregn” [Autumn Rain] (3:48) — Þórarinsson
B2. “Villi verkamaður” [Wild Worker] (2:50) — Þórarinsson
B3. “Sandkorn” [Grain of Sand] (3:12) — Björn Þórarinsson
B4. “Prelúdía í A moll” [Prelude in A Minor] (2:11) — Ólafur Þórarinsson
B5. “Þriðja heimsstyrjöldin” [The Third World War] (4:29) — Þórarinsson

Mánar recorded the album at Metronome Studio and Rosenberg Studio in Copenhagen with producer Gunnar Þórðarson and engineers Bent Hulröj and Freddy Hansson. Nera pressed the LP in Oslo.

Mánar appeared in a two-tone sleeve with photography by Óli Páll and typeset by Prentsmiðja Jóns Helgasonar, printed by Grafik hf.

Discography: