Most albums have that “one song,” or they have a few tracks that really resonate with listeners, but special albums possess a last track that’s just as good as the first.
This is the case with “Beneath the Skin,” Of Monsters and Men’s new album.
While many artists have bailed on their trademark sound in recent years (Oh, Mumford and Sons… what were you thinking), the Icelandic group has stayed true to its roots with “Beneath the Skin,” but it’s not the same band that burst onto the scene in 2012.
The five-piece indie, folk/indie pop group’s music is distinctive, and it certainly caters to a specific crowd. Loyal fans will be pleased the band elected to stay true to what it does best rather than switch things up for the pursuit of money.
Although the music has “Of Monsters and Men” written all over it, the lyrics are much more somber. “My Head Is an Animal,” the band’s debut album, gave off a far more joyful vibe than the latest installment, meaning the group did manage to branch out.
“Crystals,” the album’s first track sounds very similar to classic Of Monsters and Men. To put it simply, it’s a jam. It’s a blast to sing along to.
But after “Crystals” the album takes a turn.
The songs become more wholesome and purposeful. The lyrics become deeper and more emotional.
This is evident in “Hunger,” the third track. The song pierces the heart from the get-go: “You are right, I’ll move on; But my lungs feel so small; I couldn’t breathe if I tried; I lay my head on the floor; My beating heart wanted more; But I’ll keep it in and keep you out.”
The lyrics feel a long way removed from: “Oh my my oh hey hey; Here it comes, the big parade; Marching bands and barricades; Make way, for the big parade.”
“Organs” forces you to think. It forces you to feel, as many of the tracks on the album do.
It’s hard to compare “Beneath the Skin” to “My Head Is an Animal” because despite having the same backbone, the albums are not exactly alike. Both were equally impressive in their own way.
It’ll be fascinating to see how Of Monsters and Men continues to evolve in albums to come.