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Concert Mon Apr 02 2012
Review: Of Monsters and Men @ Park West, 3/30/12
The first time I heard the Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men, it was instant love. They are not a band you have to listen to over and over to "get;" Of Monsters and Men are a solid septet of Icelanders supplying memorable melodies, thoughtful lyrics and general good vibes. Looking over the sold-out, packed-in crowd at Park West on Friday night, I got the sense that Of Monsters and Men has that effect on a wide range of people.
From hoodies to button-ups to flannels, the social genres blended together in the standing room only space at Park West. The band gave enough beat and energy for an occasional fist pump and enough pensive lyrics for a romantic sway or two.
Of Monsters and Men at the Park West (photos by Steve Stearns)
But beyond playing to please the crowd the band seemed to have a natural smooth warm vibe to them like they were just hanging out playing in your living room. All six members seemed to take equal weight and presence on the stage, like a natural egalitarian community of musicians each giving energy to make the music happen. Maybe that is a cool Icelandic thing.
Of Monsters and Men at the Park West (photos by Steve Stearns)
Despite their clear coolness and increasing popularity, the band seems to still be a little awe struck in the middle of their first, as they said on stage, "real" tour. During their single "Little Talks," fans were singing, and some screaming, the lyrics; vocalist Nana seemed to shake her head slightly in disbelief and laugh at Chicago fans eagerness. Their popularity in the US might still be a novelty to them, but as long as the trend towards great, homegrown, indie music continues, Of Monsters and Men should expect a lot more fans to be screaming their lyrics.
Of Monsters and Men at the Park West (photos by Steve Stearns)
According to Nanna the band's trip to Chicago this time around was regrettably short. "We got hot dogs and went to the pharmacy but I hear there is more to Chicago. We will be back." It was a statement met with enthusiastic cheers.
Of Monsters and Men at the Park West (photos by Steve Stearns)
Of Monsters and Men first full-length album My Head is an Animal is set to be released in the U.S. on Tuesday, April 3, 2012.
