Of Monsters and Men returned to the Twin Cities for a two-night run at Saint Paul’s Palace Theatre. The historic, semi-restored venue was the perfect setting for an evening of beautiful soundscapes.
Breaking through during the early 2010s “stomp-clap-hey” wave of folk rock, the Icelandic group has evolved far beyond their beginnings. Their sophomore album, Beneath the Skin, leaned into a more rock leaning, bombastic and atmospheric sound; 2019’s Fever Dream embraced ethereal (dare I say ‘fever dreamy’) pop; and their latest release, All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade, settles into something beautifully calm.
That evolution came through in their performance. Some older arrangements were softened to match the relaxed tone of the night, yet the band still brought full energy to songs like “Alligator,” “Visitor,” and the crowd-favorite “Little Talks.”
The real highlight, though, was the emotion. Lead singers Nanna and Ragnar blend perfectly, their harmonies calming and beautiful. Nanna’s voice is truly one of the most beautiful I’ve ever heard—it gave me actual goosebumps.
“Dirty Paws” has always been one of my all-time favorites and holds a very special place in my heart. It’s rare for me to cry at a show, but that song brought me to tears.
Their new tracks were wonderfully showcased in a live setting. “Ordinary Creature” and “Styrofoam Cathedral” stood out most, though a few newer tracks blended in tone. Even so, each track was enjoyable in a live setting.
Additionally, I particularly love the visual themes around their music. The songs really came to life with their excellent lighting design throughout the night.
Overall, it was a calming, emotional night that I won’t soon forget. It was a perfectly curated show. Of Monsters and Men is in my top 5 favorite bands. Their music inspires me, grounds me, and connects me to nature. They have been the soundtrack to so many important moments in my life. Seeing them in such an intimate setting was an absolute joy.
Click here to view our review from the last time Of Monsters and Men came to town.
