Of Monsters And Men
Fever Dream
Universal Music
The Icelandic juggernaut Of Monsters and Men return with their third studio album Fever Dream. While the album continues with the anthematic power pop elements that shot them to fame in 2011, it is layered with subdued melodies that highlight singer Nanna HilmarsdΓ³ttirβs equally soothing and haunting vocals. Co-produced by Rich Costey (CHVRCHES, MUSE, Vampire Weekend) the music also has a polished dance-infused sound.
The band are already riding success with their first single βAlligatorβ, which has recently hit number one at the top of some charts. The song is a powerhouse, reminiscent of βLittle Talksβ and bearing sonic similarity to fellow early 2010s success story The Naked and Famous.
Fever Dream is evident of OMAMβs artistic growth, as the music features their unique fairytale fantasy narrative, but it is expressed through a more matured sound. For instance, ballads like βWaiting For The Snowβ and βStuck In Gravityβ tug hard at the emotional heartstrings through vivid metaphors.
The second single, βWild Rosesβ, was released on July 12th, which HilmarsdΓ³ttir claims was influenced from βJoseph Campbell’s βThe power of myth and what it is like to lean into your sadness.ββ It is both lighthearted and catchy, as is the glittery dream pop track βVulture Vultureβ and the rolling melody of βWarsβ. The rhythm slows in βUnder a Domeβ creating a contemplative and gentle soundscape. βSoothsayerβ features guitar riffs at the forefront and an even tempo synth, ending the album with a heavier sound.
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: OF MONSTERS AND MEN – FEVER DREAM
Nicole Swanson