Vök - Waterfall

Music Appreciation

I first discovered the Icelandic dream pop and indietronica band Vök during the height of the COVID pandemic. Their sound—an atmospheric blend of ethereal synths, ambient textures, and delicate vocals—immediately brought to mind the moody elegance of Portishead.

Vök was formed in Reykjavík in 2013 by singer Margrét Rán Magnúsdóttir and saxophonist Andri Már Enoksson. They rose to prominence after winning Músíktilraunir, Iceland’s annual music competition. Since then, the band has evolved into a trio, now composed of Margrét Rán, Einar Stefánsson, and Bergur Dagbjartsson.

“Waterfall,” a standout track from their 2015 EP Circles, features shimmering synth layers and Margrét Rán’s haunting vocal delivery. The lyrics touch on emotional fragility and the yearning for connection, while the song’s ambient-electronic arrangement highlights Vök’s distinctive sonic identity. 

The accompanying music video, directed by Skapti Magnús Birgisson and Baldvin Albertsson, was filmed in black and white and features dancer Þórey Birgisdóttir performing in a dimly lit room—visually reinforcing the song’s introspective tone and emotional depth.

Sources: 

Wikipedia

https://imvdb.com/n/vok

https://nialler9.com/vok-bring-the-icelandic-synth-cool-with-waterfall/

https://www.vice.com/en/article/premiere-vok-waterfall/

https://www.stereogum.com/1864365/vok-waiting-video-stereogum-premiere/news/

https://atwoodmagazine.com/vok-2017-interview-figure/

https://www.subvrtmag.com/spend-the-love-with-mystical-icelandic-electro-pop-vok/

https://indiepulsemusic.com/2019/02/10/icelandic-electro-dream-pop-band-vok

https://americansongwriter.com/meaning-behind-tlcs-waterfalls