For the last two years Apparat Organ Quartet have been secluded from the world, working in their studio on their second album and most importantly repairing their collection of old electronic instruments. This year sees the tenth anniversary of the band, and as their new album seems to be nearing the end stages of production, the Quartet feels it’s time to take to the stage again.
Apparat Organ Quartet consists of four electronic organists and a drummer, including composer Johann Johannsson, Icelandic punk art pioneer/church organist Pétur Zar Bragason (previously Hörður Bragason), solo artists Músíkvatur and Úlfur Eldjárn along with drummer Arnar Geir Ómarsson. AOQ’s members come from some of the most legendary and controversial bands of the Icelandic alternative scene – bands such as HAM, Trabant, Bag of Joys, Bruni BB, Oxsmá, Júpíters, Funkstrasse, Daisy Hill Puppy Farm, Kanada etc.
Since 1999, people have been mesmerized by the four gentlemen performing live on old combo-organs and analogue synthesizers, accompanied by the mechanical steady-beat of their veteran punk-rock/metal drummer. They’ve always been known for treating their fans in a generous and gentlemanly fashion, allowing them to participate in easy-to-follow dance routines, giving out Belgian chocolates, home-made honey vodka and the occasional cigar at their live shows.
Apparat Organ Quartet has brought their irrestistable pile of run down machinery to some of the most distinguished music festivals and concert venues of Europe, but they’ve also given one-on-one private concerts for fans, performed in hotel-lobbies, collaborated with groups of radio-enthusiasts, synchronized swimming teams and freestyle dancers all over the world.
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