As part of their ten year anniversary project, Of Monsters and Men released ‘Visitor’ in September. I have been a fan of Of Monsters and Men since 2012 with the release of My Head is an Animal – my mum and I had that album on repeat everyday in the kitchen for months. Their sound is drenched in nostalgia for me. I was glad to still hear their classic up-beat charm still grounded in their songs but, of course, welcomed the ways the band has developed over the decade too.
Their newest track effortlessly brings together pop and indie with the right amount of edge. The catchy guitar and drums are paired with vocals that are both electric and beautifully delicate at the same time.
Of Monsters and Men have this brilliant way of crafting songs to perfectly fit a carefree car-ride while at the same time giving the depth and symbolism that makes me want to write an essay dissecting their tracks. Their lyrics always have a deeper meaning and a comment on what it is like to be human, something that a lot of us are reflecting on right now.
‘Visitor’ is a song about disconnection and being on the fringe of change, seeing everything you once knew disappear, and finding yourself in the role of the visitor,” says vocalist and guitarist Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir. “The themes of loneliness and feeling like you are observing and watching rather than experiencing life is so pertinent right now.
The lines “Oh you need to wake up / I can’t have you disappear / Just like my parents house / I’ve become, a visitor” reflect an urgency to stay connected and a sadness that what used to be has now changed. The sense of transition and change in the song, both vocally and sonically, mirrors our ever-shifting, uncertain world.
The visuals of the ‘Visitor’ music video are striking; they tell a story of loneliness and a search for hope and light. Shot in Iceland, the beautiful shots get warmer allowing light to golden sun light to flood in to match the build up of the vocals and drums.
After this release I’m massively looking forward to the rest of their ten year anniversary project. Until then, have a dance around your room to ‘Visitor’ to brighten these strange times we are going through – I certainly will be.
Words by Elle Woods-Marshall
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