Pitchfork

If you happen over to Álafoss, Iceland anytime soon, check out the nearest grove, because you might just catch the men of Sigur Rós in a compromising position with some trees. And by compromising position, we mean hugging, you guttersnipes. Local authorities are planning to pave this paradise and put up a highway, see, and Sigur Rós are none too happy about it.

The orchestral rock quartet announced via its official website recently that it plans to hold a special concert in Reykjavik to raise funds to appeal the construction of the highway in Álafoss and "divert [it] through a less destructive route." Said gig goes down at Verið in Héðinshúsið on February 18, and tickets go on sale today.

As Sigur drummer Orri Páll Dýrason told Reykjavik's Morgunblaðið newspaper, "the ministry for the environment has stated that an evaluation of environmental impact is not warranted, which is a decision we just don't understand and have already appealed. The highway would also go through a grove of trees, which was planted by the children of the founders of Álafoss wool mill built in 1896. Half these trees have been already removed in the first place. It's such a remarkable place and played a huge role in the establishment of the [nearby] town of Mosfellsbær."

Not so coincidentally, Álafoss also serves as home to Sigur Rós' swimming pool studio, where parts of 2005's Takk were recorded. Somehow the band made it to this studio without a highway. Perhaps they have, like, a Hope-icopter or something?

As previously reported, Sigur Rós are presently at work on their next album, the follow up to Takk. They'll take a break to play this protest concert, as well as two U.S. dates later this month, including the Tibet House benefit at NYC's Carnegie Hall.

Sigur Rós:

02-18 Reykjavik, Iceland - Verið (Héðinshúsið)
02-25 Miami, FL - Carnival Centre
02-26 New York, NY - Carnegie Hall