Skip to main content
Formed in February 2008, the chemistry between the four players was immediate and the following year their debut album, self-titled ADHD, won them stellar reviews, as well as Jazz-album of the Year at the Icelandic Music Awards.

A band renowned for hypnotising audiences with their deep cinematic grooves, slow burning intensity, and a sonic soundscape that evokes both the glacial tundra and the volcanic desert of their native Iceland, their name, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) may be somewhat confusing.

Saxophonist Óskar Guðjónsson states that their chosen initialism is, in fact, a tonic for this over-saturated, over-energised, hyper-connected world, with the music itself having a therapeutic effect on the group, as much as audiences.

Live, ADHD bubble with that volcanic energy; first arising in the deep inside, only to erupt with a powerful intensity. ADHD certainly have their roots in jazz; with improvisation and spontaneous reactions very much at their core.

ADHD’s continuous search for common ground in their concentration on expansive vistas creates the unmistakable rapport amongst this foursome You can hear it across their 6 studio albums, but it still doesn’t prepare you for their singular live experience.

Although each of the musicians have clear roles, what matters to them, fundamentally, is the collective sound, one which in turn is so dense that the collective dissolves into a unified whole.

ADHD are:

Óskar Guðjónsson: Saxophones

Ómar Guðjónsson: Guitars, Bass

Davíð Þór Jónsson: Piano, Hammond, Synths, Bass etc.

Magnús Trygvason Eliassen: Drums, Percussion

More About this Artist

“The atmosphere and sound they conjure onstage is unparalleled, spirited, and definitely defies the usual 'Icelandic music' cliches that are tagged on to bands from these chilly climes.”
Icelandic Music Export

Don’t miss out!

Subscribe to the IMC newsletter to keep up with the latest in Irish Jazz.

Sign up

Help us hold that note

Help support artists, and make the musical world in Ireland a richer place.

Donate