Of Monsters and Men

So many options this week with lots of Aussie artists to cover but for now, I have to get this O/S artist featured.  Did you ever sit at home and wonder when you would hear of an amazing new kick ass catchy band come out of Iceland? Me either!

Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir (lead singer and songwriter),  started off as an acoustic act know as  'Songbird' (great name), after deciding that her live show needed an extra boost, she went on a recruiting mission where she uncovered (co-singer/guitarist) Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson . The chemistry was magical, and before they knew it they were writing songs together, in 2010 'Of Monsters and Men' had officially formed.

After winning their national Battle-of-the-bands competition know as Musiktilraunir in Iceland the now 6 piece folky pop sensation was born into a whirlwind of hype.  A bidding war ensued for the bands signature that had been dubbed by those 'in the know' as the next 'Arcade Fire'!

These guys not only caught my ear but twisted it to the point where I had to say 'WOW' out loud to myself.  Musically they are 'tight as', acoustic guitar, dream pop keys and solid rhythmical drums tie it all together. They morph in and out of soft and subtle harmonies while at times their big band sounds explode with horns and a plethora of energy!   The combination of the two leading voices match perfectly with lots of back up sound while their vocal harmonies bounce back and forth of each other as well as any other duo.

Their debut album 'My Head is an Animal' was released earlier this year and for those lucky enough to be hitting up one of the 'Laneway' shows across Australia early next year, you will be graced by their presence for the first time on our shores. 

Wrap your ears around this cracker of a track called 'Little Talks'!

couldn't resist the live acoustic version enjoy.....