Though the group is now a sextet, Amiina originally formed as a classical string quartet featuring Hildur Ársælsdóttir, Edda Rún Ólafsdóttir, Maria Huld Markan Sigfúsdóttir and Sólrún Sumarliðadóttir. The  four ladies formed the group at the Reykjavík College of Music and gained notoriety from working closely with fellow Iceland natives Sigur Rós. With the addition of male musicians Magnús Trygvason Eliassen and Guðmundur Vignir Karlsson, Amiina released Puzzle in September of this year.

To say this album is beautiful would be a complete understatement. While many of the most enchanting songs, such as “Sicsak,”  and “Thoka”, are wordless instrumental melodies, songs with lyrics, like the soothing chant of “Into the Sun,” showcase voices that carry a childlike innocence within the complexity of their post-rock ambient sound. They boast an extremely impressive list of instrumental knowledge that includes, but is not limited to, the cello, violin, viola, harmonium, celtic harp, glockenspiel, and the baroque guitar.

“What Are We Waiting For” generates the most vivid imagery of the eight tracks. Sounding as though they’ve opened a music box to find their precious sound living inside, the band strikes up their instruments and lull you into a state of pure happiness.