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Cooler than Iceland is its own musical product, FM Belfast. The Reykjavik natives began as a studio project producing a Christmas LP for their friends who gladly received the gift and then begged for more from the couple, Lóa Hlín Hjálmtýsdóttir and Árni Rúnar Hlöðversson. As its fan base grew, so did the band itself.

Two new members–Arni Vilhjalmsson and Orvar Þoreyjarson Smaraso–and a headlining popularity later, the band was complete. But don’t feel shorted, FM Belfast can have up to 30 complimentary band members on stage for their infamously energetic and audience-oriented live shows. Straying from conventional paths of band evolution, the band’s home country celebrity occurred before any official musical release. It was pure reputation and they were in high Icelandic demand.

Now after just recently releasing their much anticipated sophomore LP, ‘I Don’t Want To Sleep,’ FM Belfast is finally receiving the international credit it deserves. The joyous and uplifting electronic music they create is exhilarating. And to think it all started with ‘ole St. Nick.

Happy Friday, Trendlandians!