Of Monsters and Men – The Mouse Parade in Seattle

Iceland’s beloved indie‑folk collective Of Monsters and Men has spent the last fourteen years shaping the sound of cinematic, windswept indie music. Formed in Reykjavík in 2010, the band consisting of Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, Ragnar “Raggi” Þórhallsson, Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson, Kristján Páll Kristjánsson, and Arnar Guðjónsson, broke internationally with their debut album My Head Is an Animal, led by the global smash “Little Talks.” Their follow‑up records, Beneath the Skin and Fever Dream, expanded their sound into darker, more atmospheric territory while keeping their signature dual‑vocal chemistry intact. Now touring behind their newest release, All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade, the band has entered a reflective new era, making their return to Seattle feel especially meaningful.

We were thrilled to step into Paramount Theater to catch Of Monsters and Men again after last seeing them at WaMu Theater in 2019. We did get a wonderful surprise at Iceland Airwaves when Nanna jumped onstage for a duet with Kaktus Einarsson, but seeing the full band again felt long overdue. The Mouse Parade Tour brought them back to the States, and we couldn’t wait to hear some of our favorite tunes live once more.

The night opened with August Ponthier, whose rise over the last few years has been one of the most exciting in the indie‑pop world. The Texas‑born, Brooklyn‑based singer has built a reputation for blending cinematic folk, alt‑country, and dreamy pop, anchored by her breakout single “Cowboy” and collaborations with artists like Lord Huron (“I Lied”). Her debut album Everywhere Isn’t Texas arrived earlier this year, showcasing her sharp storytelling and rich, emotive vocals. Onstage, accompanied only by a guitarist, she was magnetic, funny, warm, and vocally stunning closing her set with fan favorite “Handsome” and setting the perfect tone for the night.

As the lights shifted, the stage revealed ten umbrella lights lining the back wall, with smaller spotlights glowing in front of them. The drum kit and keys sat on raised platforms on each side, creating a minimal but intentional setup that matched the band’s cinematic aesthetic. Shortly after nine, the five core members walked out positioned in the front. Raggi, left‑handed, wearing a green hat, and Nanna ethereal stepped forward as they launched into “Television Love,” “Dream Team,” and “King and Lionheart.” The crowd was instantly locked in.

The night’s emotional peak arrived early with “Human,” a song that has always carried a particular weight. Hearing it live again reminded me why this band’s songwriting hits so deeply, the tension, the release, the way Nanna and Raggi’s voices braid together in a way that feels both fragile and powerful.

Then Nanna stepped up to the mic to chat: “We’re going to play a song we rarely play, so you’re the first ones we’re trying it out on. This is called ‘Wild Roses.’” The crowd erupted. She followed with, “You’re a great crowd and amazing wooers,” which made everyone laugh and “woo” even louder. She wasn’t wrong, people were thrilled to see them, and the band fed off that energy all night.

The set moved effortlessly between older favorites and newer material; each song delivered with tight harmonies and soaring vocals. They closed the main set with “Visitors.” At the end, Nanna jumped into the pit, finishing the song among fans before disappearing backstage as the room erupted into cheers for an encore.

Moments later, they returned. Nanna smiled and said: “We love playing Seattle. We were here in this venue in 2013. We probably played this then as it’s from our first record, and it’s the first song we played together as a band. It’s called ‘Love Love Love.’”

The room fell into a hush as they performed it with delicate, nostalgic warmth, a reminder of how far they’ve come since their early days in Reykjavík. One last thank‑you from Nanna: “It’s been a pleasure” before they closed the night with “Fruit Bat,” one of the standout tracks from their new album.

I couldn’t believe how long it had been since we’d seen this great band live. There is something so special about them, their chemistry, their humility, their ability to write such evocative English‑language songs while being Icelandic. They remain one of the most emotionally resonant bands touring today. Make sure to catch them if they stop by your town.