Gig review: Of Monsters and Men at Rock City

Fellow beloved Icelandic indie folksinger and good friend of OMAM Árný Margrét was first welcomed to the stage at 8pm. Árný opened her supporting acoustic set with a beautiful cover of John Hartford's country classic In Tall Buildings before performing a mix of songs from her introspective albums / Miss You, I Do and they only talk about the weather. Crooked Teeth and they only talk about the weather were highlight performances, with their respected poignant existential lyricism contrasting and carrying her soft vocals across the room.

For her final song, Árný treated us with a brand-new track that is yet to be released. This featured gentle guitar picking with varied chord progressions, angelic vocals and a surprise harmonica solo accompaniment - a wonderful round up of an intimate set delivered with her melodical grace and attentive stage presence.

Of Monsters and Men started promptly at 9pm. The lights went down provoking huge cheers of excitement in Rock City's heaving main venue. Ethereal notes surrounded the space before white lighting circled from both sides of the stage as the band came on together for the opening introduction of Television Love, their first compelling track from new album All Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade. (Both of Rock City screens showcased footage of OMAM performing for all to see.)

OMAM's 90-minute set was a dreamy selection from the new album, joyous signature hits from their debut My Head Is an Animal, moving singles from Beneath The Skin and a couple of robust tracks from FEVER DREAM and their Ofreskja singles compilation. The stage was brilliantly set up with their varied supply of dynamic folk roots instruments - different types of guitars; acoustic, electric, bass, as well as an accordion, keyboard, synthesizers, percussion, and drum kit. Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson's drumming was spectacular and recognisable in each song, his drumstick tapping along with the blaring red lighting lasers of Alligator made a distinctly memorable snapshot.

The band stated that Empire was allegedly not on the original setlist, but a sign had previously caught beloved leading singer Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir's attention - an audience member who was featured in Empire's epic music video was waving a sign in solidarity and support for OMAM and it was then acknowledged to show their appreciation.

"It's so lovely to see you again! This song is for you..." Empire featured beautiful vocals, lyricism and blended harmonies between Nanna and co-lead singer Ragnar Pórhallsson.

From Finner was an exceptionally mesmerising force on stage. It was written in response to a festival OMAM played back in Iceland, of a Du magician and being told "you can sleep under the stage!" Hearing the backstories of their songs make OMAM feel more interconnected with their listeners and its worthy to note how collaborative the band are, allowing every member's musical talent to shine and thrive.

Dirty Paws will forever be my favourite of their songs. A strong opener from My Head Is An Animal, it is a mystical folk track to behold that is even more powerful live. On stage is where the immense lyrical storytelling and vigorous instrumentation truly comes to life; it had us gripped and the spotlights flashed along with the intense rhythm.

Raynar had great banter with the audience, teasing the members on the outside crevices of the crowd: "Thank you for coming, you've picked a great spot! (Laughter) Thank you for coming and not seeing anything! We appreciate it, we hope you can hear!" Participation was encouraged in Ordinary Creature, as the green spotlights dimmed and rose for the upbeat introduction.

Monster indie folk hit Little Talks, as to be expected, was a true joyful experience to witness live. It's so hard to believe that this song was released almost 15 years ago (in the simpler life of 2011). It shows that the years may have flown, but the good music of OMAM has positively stood the test of time. Yellow and blue lights wavered across the stage with collective singing as Árný Margrét made a wonderful guest appearance with an additional harmonica solo before the final chorus, triggering huge applause. Phones were out to capture the pure euphoria and nostalgic memories of this decade-defining song (that boasts over 1 billion streams on Spotify.) Every single person in the room was singing and clapping along; every voice could be heard along with the band.

Visitor was also a magical moment, as Nanna came out into the audience, gradually making her way across the whole front row as she sang her heart out. We responded with thunderous applause before demanding an encore, as OMAM returned generously with two more songs.

Before they got started again, Nanna apologised for quickly eating some gummy bears backstage, swigging some water as Ragnar went on to explain the backstory of sweet and gentle Love Love Love. This was the first song he had heard Nanna play before the band began performing the song together, so it was a special moment for them. Before he named the song specifically, however, an enthused member of the audience loudly heckled the name, which made Ragnar laugh and acknowledge that was the correct answer! Everyone joined in with the band singing the tender acoustic tune before moving eight-minute masterpiece Fruit Bat rounded off an incredible evening of music and a perfect Sunday made up of cinematic-extravaganza folk performances.

Versatile Of Monsters and Men never disappoint live and we cannot wait to welcome them back to Notts soon.

Of Monsters and Men performed at Rock City on 22nd February 2026. You can read our interview with Nanna from the band here.

@ofmonstersandmen