track04: "My Head Is an Animal"

"My Head Is an Animal," the debut album by Icelandic indie folk/pop band Of Monsters and Men, showcases a distinctive blend of indie folk, pop, and rock elements. Released in 2011, the album features a rich tapestry of acoustic guitars, lush harmonies, and anthemic choruses, creating a sound that is both earthy and expansive. The lyrics are often poetic and whimsical, drawing on themes of nature, mythology, and personal introspection. Songs like "Little Talks," with its call-and-response vocals and infectious melody, exemplify the album's ability to marry folk traditions with contemporary pop sensibilities.

    "My Head Is an Animal" emerged during a time when the indie folk genre was experiencing significant popularity, following the success of bands like Mumford & Sons and Fleet Foxes. Of Monsters and Men contributed to this wave by bringing a unique Icelandic perspective to the genre. The album's success helped to solidify the band's place in the indie folk/pop scene and highlighted the global appeal of the genre. The band's use of multi-instrumentation and storytelling lyrics can be seen as part of a broader trend in early 2010s music that favoured organic sounds and emotional authenticity over the highly produced, electronic-based pop of the late 2000s. 

    Upon its release, the album received widespread acclaim and commercial success. The album topped charts in several countries, including Iceland, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Its lead single, "Little Talks," became a global hit, receiving extensive airplay and contributing to the band's rise to international fame. The infectious nature of the song, combined with its quirky, memorable music video, helped it become a defining track of the early 2010s indie folk movement. The album's success was not limited to "Little Talks" alone; other tracks like "Dirty Paws" and "Mountain Sound" also garnered attention and praise. The band's ability to create anthemic, sing-along choruses and their engaging live performances further solidified their popularity. 

    "My Head Is an Animal" is a landmark album in the indie folk/pop genre, characterised by its unique blend of folk instrumentation, lush harmonies, and captivating dual vocals. It stands as a significant release in early 21st-century music, representing a shift towards more organic and authentic sounds.