Of Monsters and Men Review

This indie band certainly lived up to all expectations. 

I have been a fan of Of Monsters and Men for a long time and so knowing I had secured a ticket to their sold out gig in Birmingham made me ecstatic! (See previous post for more info about the band: Info)

Being a band full of individuals who can play an array of instruments, it came as little surprise that their music live was even more incredible than when hearing it on cd. With this ability, Of Monsters and Men are able to combine their diverse skill set to produce and deliver songs that just keep the crowd wanting to hear more. The evenings set list mostly consisted of singles from their debut album "My Head is an Animal" - although they did perform a very good cover of Skeletons  by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. 

One thing I did find ever so slightly disappointing was the lack of  'oomph' Nanna Himarsdottir and Ragnar Porhallsson seemed to have. Despite their impressive singing and continual chat with the audience, I felt they were just going through the motions. Dont get me wrong it was still a great gig and I thoroughly enjoyed myself; but comparing them to the likes of Mumford & Sons and Editors, I would say they came up slightly short. 

But anyway, enough of the negatives - with the combined effort from all (5) members the entire venue was soon filled with singing and clapping (see pic below). This gig definitely had a great atmosphere, and I would certainly recommend everyone to see them. 

Tour dates: 
3rd March. Norwich  UEA - Norwich, UK
5th March. O2 Sheoherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
6th March. 02 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
7th March. O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
7th June. The Governors Ball Music - NYC
2nd July. 02 Academy - Bournemouth, UK
3rd July. De La Warr Pavilion - Bexhill-On-Sea, UK
11th July. T in The Park - UK
17-18th August. V Festival - UK.

For more information regarding tickets and (N.American and European) tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/3631016-of-monsters-and-men/calendar?page=1

http://musicgigsnfestivals.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/of-monsters-and-men.html

Final goodbye on stage 

Of Monsters and Men performing 

Entire crowd getting into the show 

Imagine Dragons

Two words; Indie rock.

Do you like The Lumineers, AWOLNATION, and Of Monsters and Men? Than this band is for you.

Imagine Dragons is an indie rock band from Las Vegas, that is formed of Dan Reynolds (drums, vocals), Ben McKee (bass ,vocals), Wayne Sermon (guitar, vocals), and Dan Platzman (drums, vocals).

Despite forming back in 2008 it wasn't until 2011 when this band got their big break. Their single "It's Time" proved to be the turning boy for the boys success - going platinum and reaching the top 5 on the Billboard Alternative, and Billboard Rock charts.

2012 has been a year of great success for Imagine Dragons. Not only did they tour around the US and sell out every show (bar 2!), they released their highly anticipated debut album "Night Visions" and released a brand new EP "Hear Me."

Branded as "2012's Brightest New Stars," Imagine Dragons' talent, sound and energy are certainly gaining them the notice and respect that they so clearly deserve.

Tour dates: 
23rd Feb. Roseland Ballroom - NYC

For more information regarding tour dates and tickets check out: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Imagine-Dragons-tickets/artist/1435919

The Lumineers

I love the Lumineers.

If Of Monsters and Men, and Mumford and Sons are your thing, than you have to check out this band. The Lumineers are an American folk band from Colorado. Their self titled debut album "The Lumineers" (which includes their hit single, Ho Hey) was released back in April of this year, and proved to be a great hit - going straight to number 11 on the billboard charts.

In terms of live performances, you can relax - this trio is good! Made up of Wesley Schultz on guitar and lead vocals, Jeremiah Fraites on drums and vocals, and Neyla Pekarek on cello, piano and vocals, these three provide the perfect ingredients for a great folk band. In an interview recently Jeremiah stated "We're not reinventing the wheel or doing anything that different, the songs are super simple" - simple they may be, but rubbish they are not. If their album is anything to go by, this band has huge potential to do as well as other successful folk bands like Mumford.

Having just announced they will be supporting Dave Mathews Band on their N. American tour, this band will also be embarking on their own UK tour early next year. 

I got my ticket. Have you got yours?

Tour dates:
17th Dec. Upstate Concert Hall - Clifton Park, NY
20th Dec. iHeartRadio Theater presented by PC Richard and Son - NYC
21st Dec. Barclays Center - Brooklyn, NYC (supporting DMB)
17th Feb. O2 Academy - Liverpool
18th Feb. Stereo - Glasgow
19th Feb. Manchester Academy - Manchester
20th Feb. O2 Shepherd Bush Empire - London
22nd Feb. The Fleece - Bristol
23rd Feb. HMV Institute - Birmingham
24th Feb. The Haunt - Brighton
11th March. O2 Academy - Brixton.

For more information regarding tickets and their N. American and European tour, check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/2827981-lumineers/calendar?page=1

Of Monsters and Men

This indie folk band from Iceland are absolutely awesome.

After being crowned winners of an annual battle of the bands competition in Iceland, this six piece have gone from strength to strength. Their single Little Talks has so far been the bands most successful single to date - and not just in Iceland. Within the States this band has proven already to be a huge hit, and have even been deemed by Rolling Stone as the "new Arcade Fire."

Of Monsters and Men released their debut album "My Head Is an Animal" earlier this year. Despite the occasional play on UK radio, this band still remains off the radar - not for long though. I would jump on the bandwagon soon - this band are expected to achieve great things.

I am a huge fan of this band and have already secured my ticket to see them -  I urge you to do the same! 

Tour Dates:
20th Nov. Terminal 5 - NYC
22nd Feb. O2 Academy - Glasgow, UK
24th  Feb. Ritz  Manchester - Manchester, UK
25th  Feb. Rock City - Nottingham, UK
26th  Feb. HMV Institute - Birmingham, UK
27th Feb. O2 Academy Bristol - Bristol, UK
1st  March. O2 Academy Oxford - Oxford, UK
2nd March. Pyramids  Centre - Portsmouth, UK
3rd March.  Norwich UEA LCR - Norwich, UK
5th March. O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK
6th March.  O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire - London, UK

For more information regarding tickets or the rest of their European tour dates check out: http://www.songkick.com/artists/3631016-of-monsters-and-men/calendar?page=1