Review
“Beneath the Skin” by Of Monsters and Men dives deep, moving far from the bright, catchy indie-folk sound that defined their debut. This 2015 album trades in the lighthearted anthems for a darker, introspective experience, capturing emotional landscapes with layers of intense, almost haunting soundscapes. The band’s Icelandic roots seem to echo throughout, as the album captures a vast, lonely, yet lush atmosphere that mirrors the natural beauty and starkness of their homeland.
The single “Crystals” sets a powerful tone, with its exploration of vulnerability wrapped in vivid, almost otherworldly imagery. Throughout tracks like “Empire” and “Human,” dual vocalists Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallsson paint poetic, sometimes grim pictures that feel almost like confessions. The arrangements add a cinematic quality—sparse and haunting, yet undeniably grand, evoking a sense of depth and mystery. With tracks like “Organs,” where Nanna’s voice becomes especially raw and exposed, the album finds beauty in both the bombastic and the restrained, making it clear this record was as much for the band themselves as it is for listeners.
While the album is emotionally rich, it’s not always an easy listen. Some might find the mood heavy and the slower pace a bit daunting. But for those willing to sink into it, “Beneath the Skin” offers a rewarding, immersive experience that pulls you in deeper with each listen—a record that’s both intense and strangely comforting. - Tasha
