During the past three decades, Iceland has attained a strong presence in the world through its musical culture, with images of the nation being packaged and shipped out in melodies, harmonies, and rhythms. What 'Iceland' means for people, both at home and abroad, is conditioned by music and its ability to animate notions of nature and nationality. In six chapters that range from discussions of indie rock ballads to 'Nordic noir' television music, Dissonant Landscapes describes the capacity of musical expression to transform ideas about nature and nationality on the northern edges of Europe.
"The music of the composers and artists analysed here seems to give life to the land and to meanings that go way beyond any extractivist worldview. Dissonant Landscapes is a well-conceived depiction of how music mediates between humans and the Icelandic landscape."
