Live from Vatnagarðar cover

Live from Vatnagarðar

Of Monsters and Men · 2013

29 min · 7 tracks · indie pop

An atmospheric blend of soaring harmonies and rich instrumentation, capturing the essence of Icelandic landscapes in sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Dirty Paws — This track encapsulates the band's signature blend of storytelling and rich instrumentation, illustrating their ability to create immersive soundscapes.
  • →
    Little Talks — As one of their breakout hits, this track blends catchy melodies with introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's knack for combining pop sensibilities with deeper themes.
  • →
    Mountain Sound — The vibrant energy and uplifting chorus make this track a memorable anthem, reflecting the band's ability to resonate with audiences both live and recorded.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong vocal harmonies and instrumentation, effectively capturing the band's live energy.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of layered vocal harmonies, with multiple singers contributing to the lead lines throughout the tracks.
  • The setlist is structured to build momentum, starting with mid-tempo songs and gradually increasing energy before concluding with a more reflective track.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • uplifting sing-alongs with friends
  • gradual build to joyful resolution
  • for outdoor adventures
  • melodic harmonies that inspire hope

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer instant gratification tracks
  • seek lengthy immersive experiences

Where this album fits

Career context
Released on January 1, 2013, 'Live from Vatnagarðar' followed Of Monsters and Men's successful debut album, 'My Head Is an Animal,' which had catapulted them into international acclaim. This live album showcases their evolving sound and solidifies their presence in the indie folk and pop scenes shortly after they gained traction with hits like 'Little Talks.'

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Slow and Steady 5:19
  • 2 Mountain Sound 3:35
  • 3 King and Lionheart 2:58
  • 4 Dirty Paws 5:01
  • 5 Skeletons 3:27
  • 6 Little Talks 3:33
  • 7 Six Weeks 5:26

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata