MONORA’s debut EP 99 is a remarkable introduction from a band that may be new in name but is built upon decades of musical experience and creative chemistry. Released on March 27, the Icelandic trio—Guðbjörg Elísa Hafsteins (Gugga Lísa), Einar Valur Sigurjónsson and Guðmann Sveinsson, deliver a collection of songs that have quietly matured over more than twenty years. Rather than sounding dated, the material feels timeless, carrying an authenticity that only music shaped by life’s experiences can achieve.
At the heart of 99 is the captivating voice of Gugga Lísa, whose expressive performances bring warmth and emotional depth to every track. Her vocals are complemented by Einar’s acoustic guitar work and Guðmann’s tasteful electric guitar contributions, creating arrangements that are intimate yet richly textured. The production, handled by Jóhann Ásmundsson and Ásmundur Jóhannsson at Studio Paradís, strikes a delicate balance between polish and sincerity, allowing the songs’ emotional core to remain front and center.
What makes 99 particularly compelling is its storytelling. MONORA describes the songs as “short novels,” and that description feels fitting throughout the EP. Themes of love, relationships, personal growth, and human connection are explored with sensitivity and honesty. Drawing inspiration from both personal experiences and the lives of those around them, the band crafts narratives that feel deeply individual while remaining universally relatable. The result is a collection that invites listeners to reflect on their own memories and emotions.
As a debut release, 99 is both a culmination of a long creative journey and a promising new beginning. The years spent refining these songs have given them added depth and perspective, transforming them into works that resonate with maturity and purpose. MONORA have arrived with a debut that feels genuine, heartfelt and enduring, an impressive first chapter that leaves listeners eager to hear what comes next from this talented Icelandic band.
SONGS ON EP
1. Now I Know
2. Make it On my Own
3. Broken
4. What you Wanted
