By Kimi Inglis
The calm before the storm came in the 45 minute break between support act Mugison and headliner Of Monsters and Men. The restless crowd quickly forgave the quirky Icelandic band, as they took to the stage with such force and presence; swallowing the gig goers, immersing them completely in upbeat pop songs. Of Monsters and Men joked, engaging the audience by encouraging charismatic sing along. Front woman, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir grinning throughout the bands set, while energetically and playfully interacting with fellow band mates juxtaposed with front man Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson whose intensity was mesmerizing. Mountain Song stole the attention of the crowd, the question and answer section leaving fans bellowing lyrics into the air of the 02 Academy. Hands were raised, prompted by drummer Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, whose drumming was a show on its own. The chemistry between the musicians as they ran back and forth across the stage, trading instruments and towels gave the show electricity. The vocals echoed through the venue, crisp and clear, sounding as perfect as the vocals on Of Monsters and Men’s debut, My Head Is an Animal, an album which is best served live. Love Love Love came like a cooling wave, soothing the crowd, before again tossing them in to the energetic sea of folk-pop tearing through the room. Little Talks made the room erupt into flurry of waving hands and dance, which was by far the highlight of the evening. Of Monsters and Men is the perfect blend of passionate, beautiful lyrics, weaved into perfectly written pop songs, making them a fantastic live act.
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