Agent Fresco

Formed in Reykjavik in 2008, Agent Fresco brings together Arnór Dan Arnarson, Þórarinn Guðnason, Vignir Rafn Hilmarsson and Hrafnkell Örn Guðjónsson around a language situated between alternative rock, art rock, pop, math rock and touches of progressive metal. The band quickly drew attention in Iceland after winning the Músíktilraunir competition, followed by the Lightbulb Universe EP in 2008. Agent Fresco then develops a broader writing approach on A Long Time Listening, released in 2010, where contrasts between rhythmic tension, piano lines, mobile bass and highly expressive singing take a central place. With Destrier in 2015, the quartet further refines its balance between power and melody, in a format where progressive structures remain legible and where the post-rock heritage intersects with a more pronounced pop sensibility. On stage, Agent Fresco performs as much in rock contexts as on posters related to European progressive and alternative music. Parallel to the band, Arnór Dan Arnarson's voice has circulated in other projects, notably alongside Ólafur Arnalds, which sheds light on another facet of Agent Fresco's aesthetics, more atmospheric and open to delicate arrangements.