Dikta

Power-pop brigade daring to have a political agenda and knowing exactly how to not overdo it. Big songs delivered with superb confidence and lead singer Haukur Heiðar Hauksson shining bright

Read more: http://allscandinavian.com/343/airwaves08-5-top-5-gigs-of-2008/#ixzz0c77riHRP - allscandinavian.com

Something happened between them and the crowd that night which made it a pleasure to witness. One doesn’t realize how many hits Dikta has under their belts until they play a short set like this one. I’m glad I was there. - Reykjavík Grapevine

In recent years, lyrics have taken a backseat in musical ventures. Most listeners are more than overjoyed if a band lays down a clever pun, witty lyric, or a deep thought now and again. At long last, a band is reawakening an ages-old beast. Iceland's Dikta is finally bringing story-telling back to music. While a few bands of late seem to be grasping desperately onto the idea of a concept album, Dikta has their arms wrapped tightly around the one-song, one-story concept. Each track on Hunting for Happiness tells a completely different story, yet always finishes what it starts. The fact that the music is pretty fantastic, though not visionary, only makes the record that much more enjoyable.

Some of the passages might be a little more musically-intellectual than others, but this is by no means an inaccessible record. "Chloe" is probably one of the most easily-enjoyed tracks on the record, as it contains plenty of crunch, bounce, and vocal aggression that should satiate any listener. Herein lies the true beauty of Dikta: They are artistic without being snobby, intellectual without being elitist, inventive without being weird. "This Song Will Save the World," in title, may seem overly pretentious and self-absorbed, but, when backed by lilting keys, down-played horns, and a supreme vocal swagger and warm guitar tones, it comes off as nothing but a great ballad, with no sense of grand self-importance.

Dikta is musical magic. They never stammer, never take a poor step, and manage to combine so many of the small things which make music interesting. Slap all that together and you get one of the most intriguing albums of the year, a forerunner in the race for top honors, even if there are more astonishing musicians in the world. If you've been in a musical drought, find a new Dikta ride and pick up Hunting for Happiness.

--Ben Rice - DecoyMusic.com

The reason that Icelandic music sounds the way it does, is that Icelandic music developed in complete isolation - they weren’t invaded, occupied and generally kept themselves to themselves - so they didn’t have the melting pot of influences til relatively recently. Hence, by the time they were, they’d developed their own unique sound. Hence Sigur Ros, Sugarcubes etc etc.

History lesson over - but it does leave one with the assumption that anything Icelandic is going to sound like a detuned radio being dragged around a rose garden on the back of a tricycle.

Dikta don’t. Dikta sound like good old rock and roll. And they don’t sound a bit Icelandic. Cuh-razy. Dikta’s phat rock sound is thanks in no small part to the Vedderesque presence of lead singer Hauker Heidar Hauksson, who carries songs like personal highlight “My Other Big Brother” at a world class level.

The gentle ballads sound a long way from contrived or “cock-rock” influenced - and the fact that the band lend themselves so effortlessly to more gentle strains is a credit to them. “This Song Will Save The World” with its spiky piano backing wouldn’t sound out of place on a Queen album.

Also worthy of note is the crunchy, loud and melodic Chloe and the slinky sexy Wm3.

Absolutely kicking old school Rawk and Roll with a brain.

By Chris Merriman

This release was published on 29 Jan 2007. - Subba-Cultcha UK

Upon reading the background information on Icelandic four-piece Dikta you would not expect to be astounded by such an album. Opening the album with “Losing Every Day” was a strategic move that has paid off dividends. The sultry tones of the lead singer Haukur’s vocal are striking and could capture the attention the female population of the planet, whilst being memorable of original. This pomp rock album is a dramatic fusion of soulful wedges sliced delicately with a smidgen of indie rock.
With the intricate piano on the ballad “This Song Will Save the World” combined with the calming effect it could have on all those that listen this songs may truly go someway to achieve world harmony.
Produced by Ace (Ex Skunk Anansie guitarist) this album’s polished finish and timeless appeal has conjured up an album that is a potential classic. For those searching for a suitable soundtrack to their afternoon coffee, “Happiness” is here – stop hunting!
KO
- Salvo Magazine issue 10

Hjemme på lavaøen vakte Dikta en del opmærksomhed med deres debutalbum fra 2002, der imidlertid ikke sendte de helt store dønninger mod vore kyster. Men der er faktisk flere gode grunde til at ofre den alternativt rockende kvartet opmærksomhed, idet de for det første er fulde af fine melodier, for det andet forstår at arrangere dem med en begavet detaljerigdom, og for det tredje har en god vokal i Haukur Heidar Hauksson. Alt dette finder umærkeligt sammen i de dynamiske rockbastarder Chloë og A Way Out samt i den drilsk klaverdansende This Song Will Save The World. Helt så idérige og overbevisende er Dikta dog ikke alle steder på Hunting For Happiness, der enkelte steder fortaber sig i mere traditionel middeltemporock, som hverken gør orkesteret eller lytteren nogen tjeneste. ”I’m sorry for the things I have done”, synger frontmanden et sted, men det behøver han og bandet trods alt ikke være, for der er langt flere plusser end minusser i øboernes karakterbog.

Af Jeppe Krogsgaard Christensen - GAFFA.DK - Alt om musik

"Dikta are a band with heart and soul, enormous vocals and sweeping sounds. Last year they filled The Art Museum with a noise that headiners Vampire Weekend and CSS struggled to match when they followed onto the stage. They're a band on top of their game right now."

http://iceblah.typepad.com/mostly_music_lots_of_it_i/2009/10/iceland-airwaves-preview-3-the-nearly-there-edition.html - Iceblah music blog

"Here is a band at its prime bursting onto the scene with a mature
body of work that proves itself on equal footing with all the best
music being made in the world today." ***** H.Ó. mbl. 14.des ‘05 - mbl 2005

Dikta mentioned in the Spin Coldplay cover article:
For many of today's hitmakers.... Coldplay made it okay to not play tough rock. They reopend the door for melody and emotion.
And the band spilled through: the Frey, Augustana, Lifehouse and OneRepublic in the U.S.; Starsailor. Keane, Athlete in the UK.; Pilot Speed in Canada; Kettcar in Germany; Dikta in Iceland. - Spin

Who: Dikta

What: An awesome band straight from Iceland. It creates some great piano rock that everyone will love.

On the Web: www.myspace.com/dikta

Sounds Like: A bit like Augustana

Stand Out Single: “Losing Every Day”

Grade: B+ - Hear/Say: America's College Music Magazine