Ólöf Arnalds

Ólöf Arnalds

Experiencing Innundir Skinni stripped to an acoustic essence at SXSW 2010 undercuts its studio exponent. The Icelandic folk singer, in possession of a sweetly delicate voice infused with whimsy, took four years to follow up her 2006 debut, Við Og Við, and here seems infinitely aware of her international audience as evidenced by the sweeping la-la-la's of "Vinur Minn." The title track, meanwhile, showcases the intimate girl-and-a-guitar ethos that makes Arnalds so charming. Unfortunately, the sensual charango tick-tocking of "Surrender" features backing vox from One Little Indian label head Björk, who railroads the song with her guttural growls and swoopy showboating. Needless to say, the song might fly if Björk had taken it down several dozen notches, which, in the case of Innundir Skinni, also applies to Arnalds. (Wed., 9pm, Swan Dive)