Of Monsters and Men

There are too few words to adequately describe how much excellence and joy flows through every track of “My Head Is an Animal,” the debut album released by the band Of Monsters and Men earlier this month.

The Icelandic indie-folk sextet, while still gaining popularity here in the United States, grew to considerable prominence internationally with the release of its single, “Little Talks.” ITunes offered the single as a free download for a brief period of time, which largely helped both the track and the band gain exposure.

The band is headed by male vocalist Ragnar Porhallsson and female vocalist Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir, both of whom jointly provide a refreshing sound. The two of them are accompanied by a colorful arrangement of instrumentalists that undeniably facilitate the musical strength of the entire group.

The countless comparisons being made between Of Monsters and Men and British group Mumford & Sons really only serve to compliment both parties. Just as Mumford easily managed to pave its way into American hearts and record stores, especially following its performance at the Grammys in 2011, this up-and-coming Icelandic band will likely do the same.

What sets Of Monsters and Men apart from contemporaries such as Mumford & Sons, however, can almost be boiled down to the simple fact that it provides not just a melodious male vocal talent, but also a female counterpart that produces the fantastic harmonies that the band will surely become known for in the near future. 

Each song on “My Head Is an Animal” provides enough melodic harmony and scenic imagery to fill two entire albums. The strength of the group’s debut album is on par with the first Mumford & Sons release two years prior—if the latter was any barometer for success, then Of Monsters and Men seems to be on the right track.

Early on in “King and Lionheart,” Nanna sings, “We’re here to stay, we’re here to stay, we’re here to stay.” Based on the largely flawless debut album that Of Monsters and Men just released, there appears to be no need to question this statement.