Of Monsters and Men – My Head is an Animal

Of Monsters & Men – My Head Is An Animal
Album Review by Charlie Martel 

Iceland’s Of Monsters and Men will soon release their debut album in the US titled ‘’My Head is an Animal’’. Although the record was previously released in Iceland on September 2011, the band is slowly gaining a larger fan base in America encouraging them to release a smashing record that will guarantee them a place in the Indie Pop/Folk music industry.

Quality material is offered during the listening process, as much on the lyrics’ side as the melodies’. A fresh and actual sound rapidly transports us into Of Monsters and Men’s world during the first bits of the album. Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallsson’s voices merge together to form a musical harmony with the energetic yet soft instrumentals. The 2 vocalists give a lot a personality to the band’s music and bring a little something more on the table demarcating them from other groups sharing the same musical aspirations. While playing the record the band versatility is obvious, from ballads to alternative pop songs and an overall folk vibe, there is a song for every mood you may be in.

The first song ‘Dirty Paws’ bring us to their universe and imposes the general vibe that will be explored throughout the 12 tracks of the record. The lyrics telling a tale seduce us and help to tame the upcoming songs. Some like ‘Mountain Sound’ and ‘Six Weeks’ are more energetic and very rhythmic, the kind of songs that will put you in a good mood. Other tracks like ‘From Finner’ have a more heavy and mythic feel to them, mainly because of the strong presence of the accordion and loud drums. Of Monsters and Men, for the length of a few songs then slows down their melodies to grant us some softer ballads. This part of the album we can explore more their acoustic sound as a band. Then songs ‘Slow and Steady’, ‘Love Love Love’ and ‘Sloom’ are good examples. ‘Little Talks’ their very successful current single in the most representative track of the record with its festive ensemble. The trumpet melodies in that title raise the level of quality and bring up the music to a second level. And Last but not least ‘Yellow Light’ the last song on the album with the singers’ voices harmonies and its folk and acoustic ambiance evolves into a long instrumental bit with soft voices in the background giving a very soft end to the record.

Event thought the first listen of this album left me with doubts on a few songs, the charm and potential of them was still undeniable. Personally I fell for the ensemble of ‘My Head is an Animal’. The joy released by the rhythms, the voices of both singers and the clever lyrics will sure get you. Of Monsters and Men delivers a record faithful to their image, and tracks that will bring a fresh breath to the summer season.

Overall Rating: 4/5
Website:  http://ofmonstersandmenmusic.tumblr.com/