Mind Equals Blown

Of Monsters and Men Into the Woods EP

Indie/Folk | Universal Music Group

MEB Rating:

9.0

User Rating:

8.5

4 Ratings

Of Monsters and Men (OMM, not to be confused with Of Mice & Men) released their debut full-length, My Head is an Animal in September 2011. This however was only made for Icelandic ears. Luckily for Americans, “Little Talks,” the band’s chart-topping single, brought them a deal with Universal Music Group, which quickly produced the four-song EP Into the Woods for our enjoyment. The band has recently received state-side recognition due to their distinct similarities with Arcade Fire. The timing could not be more impeccable; for this group to appear less than a year after Arcade’s apparent takeover of the Indie genre, and questionably, the music world in its entirety (2011 Grammy winner for Album of the Year). Perhaps this six-piece from Iceland are simply following suit?

More often than not, a band of any genre which features a male and female vocalist has the ability to dig much deeper.  If you think about it, they are able to provoke thoughts and emotions to an entire generation. What boys do not understand, girls will…and vice versa. The third track “Love Love Love” in all of its elegance is a beautiful and heartbreaking example of these conflicting viewpoints. The standout track begins “Well maybe I am a crook for stealing your heart away / And maybe I am a crook for not caring for it / Yea maybe I’m a bad, bad, bad, bad person / Well baby, I know.” Typically, songs of heartbreak are relayed from the opposing viewpoint, but not in this instance. In a lot of ways, seeing things from this perspective makes the track all the more dislodging. Female vocalist/guitarist Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir completely devastates, singing “Cause you love, love, love when you know I can’t love.”

Aside from the band’s lyrical ability, they display musical characteristics comparable to River City Extension and Arcade Fire with nearly half the supporting cast. The single “Little Talks” relies heavily on the accordion and trumpet presence, doing wonders to the unmistakable catchiness of the track. Blending in the melodic verse-sharing abilities of Nanna and Ragnar Porhallson (male lead), it’s no wonder the song has been held in such high regard. The following track “Six Weeks” does not disappoint in the slightest, featuring a satisfying yet surprising breakdown which begins building at 2:48. A breakdown in any genre is a very pleasant experience in most cases and the simplistic nature of the one in “Six Weeks” is no different. The drums come rolling in and the song slows to about half-speed; magnificent.

Into the Woods, like many groundbreaking EPs, often creates this urge for more, more, more (quantity, not quality). Honestly, the short and sweet product leaves little room for improvement, making it an extremely tough act to follow. We see these instances time and time again: a band creates a record so life-changing, only to follow it up with a lesser version of the same. That being said, something tells me this will not be the case for the six Icelanders; call it a hunch.

For those who like: River City Extension’s The Unmistakable Man – Ellie Goulding’s Lights – Mumford and Sons’ Sigh No More

• About the Author

Author: Jarrod Church View Staff Page for Jarrod Church

Sometimes I can grow a little facial hair. I am from Lisbon, Maine. NFL Redzone is the greatest channel invented - my father and brother can vouch for me on that one. I like four vegetables (one being french fries). My favorite thing to take off at the end of the day is my watch. I have no arm hair. Hayley Williams said my name on stage one time. I love ranking stuff. I DVR Jeopardy everyday. Cherry Coke Zero is the BOMB! Satellite radio is lame, SYNC is better. I have a Gumby figure on my keychain. I wear girly socks (the small ones that barely hang on to the heel). People admire my "Name That Tune/Artist" skills. Parentheses are the coolest! Oh, and I still watch the Real World.

(4 votes, average: 8.50 out of 10)

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