Of Monsters And Men @ The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (20/07/2012)
In much the same way as their debut album will delight you with one magical song leading into another, Of Monsters and Men's live show does not falter for a moment. There is no time to yawn, to think about tomorrow's early start or reflect on your to-do list. There is nothing but solid gold from go to whoa.
Opener 'Dirty Paws' is all tight harmonies, acoustic guitar and stirring choral refrain that immediately gets right to the guts of this special Icelandic band's unique brand of indie-folk. Melodic and richly textured, cleverly constructed instrumentation and euphoric chanting are all integral to My Head Is An Animal's success as an album.
'King and Lionheart' is as special live as on record. A nostalgic melodrama deserving of a novel or at least a seriously captivating children's storybook. The keyboards are more prevalent in the live rendition, accentuating all the right minor chords. With off-kilter romantic lyrics “as the world comes to an end, I'll be here to hold your hand/ Cause you're my king and I'm your lionheart”, you are likely to get warm and fuzzies in your belly while heading into a happy land of fantasy and beguiling and exotic creatures. What is a lionheart, I hear you ask? Think The Wizard of Oz, let your imagination run free and let go of stifling realism – you won't find it here in this sprawling forest of wild warring beasts and colonised kingdoms of feathered avis and talking trees.
'Your Bones' is a sparse, solo performance that allows male lead Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson's voice to shine. Leading with an acoustic introduction, Þórhallsson's impeccably tuned vocals and a rolling drum line make for a stirring, intimate interlude. For the jaunty ballad 'Love Love Love,' charismatic drummer Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson moves to the piano accordion, bringing the band's screaming folk roots to the fore.
'Lakehouse' features triumphant trombone, as does YouTube sensation 'Little Talks' in an extended solo moment in the bright lights for the brass section of the six-piece.
'Sloom' is the encore, and apparently one of the first songs they ever wrote. This is testament to their combined songwriting talents as it's also one of their best. For a rousing and extended finale that builds to a crescendo on the wave of this slow-burner, the audience is transfixed – some singing along, some simply mesmerised.
Of Monsters and Men is not just a band, and My Head Is An Animal is not just an album. It's a combined concept, rich with subtext and symbolism, a project in storytelling and musical experimentation. Similarly, the live show is not just a band playing a venue. It's an enchanting, colourful and comforting journey, marked by true showmanship and camaraderie.
At times a foot-stomping barnyard folk gig, at times an intimate, spiritual celebration of togetherness, this live show will awaken your inner child and have you looking to the night sky, now seeing it as sun-splintered velvet. Your ears will be ringing with poetry, renewed hope in humanity and the transportative powers of music.
Rebecca McCann
Check out our full photo gallery of the gig here!
Opener 'Dirty Paws' is all tight harmonies, acoustic guitar and stirring choral refrain that immediately gets right to the guts of this special Icelandic band's unique brand of indie-folk. Melodic and richly textured, cleverly constructed instrumentation and euphoric chanting are all integral to My Head Is An Animal's success as an album.
'King and Lionheart' is as special live as on record. A nostalgic melodrama deserving of a novel or at least a seriously captivating children's storybook. The keyboards are more prevalent in the live rendition, accentuating all the right minor chords. With off-kilter romantic lyrics “as the world comes to an end, I'll be here to hold your hand/ Cause you're my king and I'm your lionheart”, you are likely to get warm and fuzzies in your belly while heading into a happy land of fantasy and beguiling and exotic creatures. What is a lionheart, I hear you ask? Think The Wizard of Oz, let your imagination run free and let go of stifling realism – you won't find it here in this sprawling forest of wild warring beasts and colonised kingdoms of feathered avis and talking trees.
'Your Bones' is a sparse, solo performance that allows male lead Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson's voice to shine. Leading with an acoustic introduction, Þórhallsson's impeccably tuned vocals and a rolling drum line make for a stirring, intimate interlude. For the jaunty ballad 'Love Love Love,' charismatic drummer Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson moves to the piano accordion, bringing the band's screaming folk roots to the fore.
'Lakehouse' features triumphant trombone, as does YouTube sensation 'Little Talks' in an extended solo moment in the bright lights for the brass section of the six-piece.
'Sloom' is the encore, and apparently one of the first songs they ever wrote. This is testament to their combined songwriting talents as it's also one of their best. For a rousing and extended finale that builds to a crescendo on the wave of this slow-burner, the audience is transfixed – some singing along, some simply mesmerised.
Of Monsters and Men is not just a band, and My Head Is An Animal is not just an album. It's a combined concept, rich with subtext and symbolism, a project in storytelling and musical experimentation. Similarly, the live show is not just a band playing a venue. It's an enchanting, colourful and comforting journey, marked by true showmanship and camaraderie.
At times a foot-stomping barnyard folk gig, at times an intimate, spiritual celebration of togetherness, this live show will awaken your inner child and have you looking to the night sky, now seeing it as sun-splintered velvet. Your ears will be ringing with poetry, renewed hope in humanity and the transportative powers of music.
Rebecca McCann
Check out our full photo gallery of the gig here!