OF Monsters and Men are an exception to a rule. The Icelandic five-piece first attracted attention in 2010 after winning a national talent competition but, unlike contestants on UK equivalent X Factor, whose teeth-grinding ballads melt away after Christmas, they quickly moved on to bigger things. The band inked a record deal with a Universal offshoot and have since earned their place as indie pop heavyweights across the world.
This is evident in their performance, which, though falling short of something extraordinary, is always enjoyable. Nearly doubling in size for the touring circuit, becoming a party of nine, the band is a prime example of strength in numbers. Vocals from lead duo Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsottir and Ragnar Thorhallsson are soft and sweet, even enchanting at times, while the presence of keys, brass and accordion offer live renditions a necessary depth.
There are darker moments too, mainly drawn from second and latest album Beneath the Skin. From distorted set opener Thousand Eyes to the military-style percussion in I of the Storm, the band flirt with an intensity unexplored by their debut, prompting the most intriguing moments of the set. While parts of the evening melt together, airings of debut album’s Dirty Paws and Six Weeks towards the end really shine. The intro to fan favourite Little Talks is disguised by crashing cymbals and wailing guitars; it also prompts the most tuneful, carefully considered singalong in recent Barrowland history as the crowd carry the final bridge.
Of Monsters and Men put on a show with enough allure to keep the audience engaged and entertained - while not mind-blowing, their impassioned performance proves the band has plenty to offer yet.
Three stars
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