Originally scheduled to play at the much smaller Subterranean, Of Monsters and Men’s show in Chicago, due to overwhelming demand, was moved to Park West. The show (along with most of Of Monsters and Men’s other shows) was sold out. The fans came, and they packed Park West wall to wall.
There was a sense of uneasiness in the air, and with good reason. Of Monsters and Men’s debut album hasn’t come out yet- it’s due out April 3rd – so many of the people, not all, weren’t too familiar with the music.
You could tell Of Monsters and Men were a little uneasy too. A handful of times in between songs the band talked about how this was their first time in the USA and technically their first ever tour, so their nerves were a little high too.
But, like all talented bands, the uneasiness disappears shortly after the music starts playing.
There isn’t a word that would accurately describe how crisp and clean Of Monsters and Men sound live. They don’t sound like a new band. Someone who knows nothing about this band would think they’ve been playing together for more than just three years and have toured before.
A huge reason for that would be noticing that these people love to be on stage with each other. During most of the songs, the non-vocal band members could be seen singing the lyrics to one another and basically just having a good time. The lyrics from their second song “Far from home, all alone, but we’re so happy,” couldn’t be more true.
Smiles among the band and audience were plenty. The highlight of the night was the giveaway of Of Monsters and Men keychains given to two lucky fans. One to a guy who wore a customized Monster headgear and one to a girl who made Of Monsters and Men socks.
The band’s conversational English isn’t the best, but it doesn’t matter, and it kinda adds more uniqueness and fun to the concert. Though the show was only hour and 15 minutes long, I wasn’t disappointed. I didn’t expect it to be much longer, and the quality of the performance, along with the show only being $15, well overshadowed the short performance time.
The only remaining shows in the US not sold out are in New York, but I wouldn’t be too worried about not being able to see this band some time in the near future. With the talent and growing fanbase this band has, I expect a good musical career for Of Monsters and Men.
Setlist
1.) Dirty Paws
2.) From Finner
3.) Beneath My Bed
4.) Slow and Steady
5.) Mountain Sound
6.) King and Lionheart
7.) Love, Love, Love
8.) Your Bones
9.) Little Talks
10.) Six Weeks
Encore
11.) Close to Me (The Cure cover)
12.) Lakehouse
They were selling bags, shirts, and albums. I couldn't decide what to get, so I bought them all.
