Review: Of Monsters and Men at The Anthem on Nov. 3

Photo Credit: Maya Taylor

I’ve been waiting for this concert for years. When Of Monsters and Men stopped performing in 2019, many fans (myself included) assumed the live chapter of their careers had closed for good. Their comeback was long-awaited and absolutely worth it.

The opener, Árný Margrét, set the tone beautifully. Singing in both Icelandic and English, she had a soothing energy that pulled everyone in. Her Icelandic lyrics carried a depth that transcended language. Her final number, featuring a harmonica and guitar, was a gentle, calming closer. Nervous yet radiant, Margrét’s repeated thanks to the crowd and warm smile made her one of the night’s unexpected highlights.

The crowd was a generational mix: millennials reliving the soundtrack of their twenties and parents introducing their children to the band that once characterized their playlists. There was a palpable sense of nostalgia in the air and a shared anticipation of what was to come.

When Of Monsters and Men finally took the stage, the energy was electric. Lead vocalist Nanna Hilmarsdóttir had recently lost her voice and postponed a show just days earlier, so it felt especially meaningful that she was able to perform. And she killed it. For only the second time, the band played “The Actor,” a vocally demanding piece, live, and Hilmarsdóttir pulled it off effortlessly, especially considering her recent recovery.

While the setlist covered both new and old material, it was clear that many audience members were less familiar with the band’s newer songs. Still, when the opening notes of “Little Talks” and “Dirty Paws” began, the entire venue came alive. The voices of the crowd joined as one, echoing back lyrics that defined a generation of indie music lovers.

One slightly awkward moment came during the encore when they played “Love Love Love,” one of my all-time favorite OMAM songs. The quiet, emotional song was interrupted by premature applause, forcing Nanna to pause before finishing which definitely threw off the mood. Maybe I’m being picky, but it was unfortunate during such a delicate moment. It was clear that many people had never heard the song before and didn’t realize it hadn’t ended yet. 

Still, despite that hiccup, the night was everything I had hoped for and more. Hearing songs I’ve loved for over a decade performed live was surreal. Of Monsters and Men reminded everyone why their music continues to resonate so deeply.

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Maya Taylor is a junior in the College majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Psychology and Jewish Civilization.