Since Of Monsters and Men formed in 2010, the Icelandic indie folk band have experienced creditable international success. The infectiously welcomed ‘Little Talks’ provided a refreshing contrast to charts that were predominately filled with electronic dance music. The enigmatic single administered a tremendous impetus for the band, and what closely followed was a noteworthy debut album which quelled any theory that they were a ‘one hit wonder’. The debut reached the top 10 in most European charts, which ensured the band were a highlight of many festival line ups. Now, Of Monsters and Men are back with their second record, Beneath the Skin.
The album dawns where the debut left of. The strong opening single ‘Crystals’ is flourished by drums, crashing symbols and single chord strikes. The song shifts imminently into a bridge with infamous leafy lyrics like “Wither away the bark”, before a climaxing chorus consisting of ‘woahs’ – simplistic lyrics with similarities to Mumford and Sons. The words “Cover your crystal eyes / And let your colours bleed and blend with mine” optimises their trademark roar of togetherness. The song breaks down into a concluding vocal solo that emerges into a spectacular crescendo, screaming out a late-afternoon-set-at-Glastonbury vibe. The track that follows shows a slight change in style to the first record. ‘Human’ attains a ghostly, slightly obscured clamour with a harmonising likeness to Fleet Foxes. The vocals neatly fit the melody; it flows like a stream effortlessly into the chorus. The song cites the political inspiration obtained in the writing from the band. Lyrics such as “Cage me like an animal / A crown with gems and gold” expresses being controlled by a governing regime or being cast out by the establishment – caged like an animal by the gold and gem wearing crown supremacy.
‘Wolves without Teeth’ is a marvellous balance of dusky lyrics and consistent drum upsurges. Nanna and Raynar exchange eloquently in a gentle intensification of singing solos that encourage an echo from your sub-consciousness, it compliments a subsequent gradual enlargement of sound, before the two combine at the refrain. The theme of power, sovereignty and unionism runs true in ‘Empire’. Ethereal phrases of wintery landscapes, movement of nature and beastly animals are utilised as a derivative to express commonwealth: “And from the rain / Comes a river running wild that will create / An empire for you”.
‘Slowlife’ and ‘Thousand Eyes’ showcase a spooky, ominous theme. The green, verdant trees of the first record have been exchanged for cadaverous, mysterious realms of leafless thickets and lifeless twigs gleaming underneath the glow of a full moon. The wraith like melodies culminate an Arcade Fire around-the-campfire mythological intensity. This is where the record slows down a pace and displays a slightly more delinquent take on experiences. Songs like ‘Organs’ provide a reflective insight: “I am tired of punching in the wind / I am tired of letting it all in”. The music concludes with more aphotic melodious tracks such as ‘We Sink’ and ‘Back Yard’.
Of Monsters and Men have followed up their excellent debut with a strong second record. What’s great about this follow-up is, they haven’t moved too far away from their wonderful identity of culminating verses and huge collective choruses. The band have tackled a slightly different, darker perspective and achieved it in great measure.
7/10
Words by Aaron Spencer
@aaronspencer