Of Monsters and Men are a 6-piece indie/folk band from Iceland who burst onto the scene in 2010 when they were winners of Músíktilraunir, an annual band competition in Iceland. You’ve probably heard their song Little Talks playing on not just alternative radio stations, but even pop/top 40 radio. They have become a huge success in America with Little Talks and I see nothing but a bright future for Of Monsters and Men.
Of Monsters and Men formed in 2009 when Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir began looking to add musicians to her music project, Songbird. Having found the perfect members to add to the group in 2010 Of Monsters and Men entered the music competition as a quartet. The foursome added two more members after Músíktilraunir. After their success with the music competition, the group began performing at Iceland music festivals such as Iceland Airwaves in 2010.
Of Monsters And Men – Little Talks
Jump forward a year to 2011, Of Monsters and Men started making their way in America. Signing with Record Records in February of 2011, Within months Of Monsters and Men released Little Talks in August. Little Talks propelled them to success and in April Of Monsters and Men released their first album, My Head is an Animal. Since April the album has already seen a great deal of success, it is currently number 4 on the alternative album chart.
Of Monsters And Men – Slow and Steady
However, Little Talks is but a taste of what this band is capable of. Listening to My Head is an Animal you immediately can hear that this band is unique. From their folk-inspired sound to their duet style [Nanna sings lead as well as Ragnar “Raggi” Pórhallsson]. With all the success of other folk-style bands, it’s safe to say that Nanna keeps Of Monsters and Men unique. Nanna leads you into something slightly different with her voice, maybe it’s her accent. Whatever it is, she keeps you listening and coming back for more. And like any good folk band, the lyrics are deep with stories behind them like Slow and Steady and Love Love Love.
Whether you love indie, folk, or pop, their sound is breath of fresh air. Of Monsters and Men is easily going to be one of 2012’s biggest bands.
My Head is an Animal by Of Monsters and Men is in stores now.
For the Record 