Of Monsters and Men – Tíu (EP Review)

Hailing from Iceland, the Folk Pop band known as Of Monsters and Men bring a special sound that offers a lot of emotions. Signed to Republic Records since their debut album My Head Is an Animal in 2011, the band has consistently not only topped Iceland’s charts, but others around the world as well. Most recently delivering their Fever Dream album in 2019, here in 2022 they are back with a brand new EP entitled Tíu.

Released on June 10, 2022, Tíu dropped just a day after Of Monsters and Men debuted their short documentary of the same name at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. The film, directed by Dean DeBlois (Lilo & Stitch 2002, How to Train Your Dragon 2010), follows the film around their hometown in Iceland where they perform tracks from the EP live at special locations. Something worth checking out, the EP itself features five tracks that will certainly satisfy fans. 

It all starts with the catchy, thriving “Visitor” where the emotional vocals of Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir guide you through your own thoughts. Then on “This Happiness” Ragnar Þórhallsson takes the lead and offers a slow, mellow vibed track that is also featured as the EP’s finale alternatively in an acoustic setting. From here there is “Lonely Weather” creates a wide and empty space to get lost in as the scarce vocal placement provided some guidance. Finally, “Destroyer” slowly intensifies, leads to a duet in the chorus, explodes, and then closes abruptly. 

Overall Tíu is a collection of songs that will resonate in your mind, body, and soul. Of Monsters and Men know how to reach the listener with their music and their voices in a unique manner. With soft voices and fairy like arrangements, Of Monster and Men create music that is outstanding, and that is why Cryptic Rock gives Tíu 5 out of 5 stars. 

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