A Review of Two of 2012's Strongest Albums....2 Years Later

I wasn't planning on writing a blog today until I discovered something very interesting on Twitter. Two of my favorite debut albums from different bands were released exactly two years ago today - April 3rd, 2012. (I'm posting a day late) They are the self titled debut from The Lumineeers, and the debut from Of Monsters and Men, entitled My Head is an Animal.

Both of these albums were highlights in a 2012 that featured some outstanding new music. Two years after their release, I look back at these notable debuts. If you haven't listened to these albums before, I advise you to jump on the bandwagon now. You will not regret it. Enjoy.

The Lumineers are an Americana folk-rock trio, formed in Denver, Colorado. They are led by front man Wesley Schultz on lead vocals and guitar. They're supported by Jeremiah Fraites on the drums and Neyla Pekarek on the cello.

The story of The Lumineers is told best through their standout track, entitled "Dead Sea." The lyrics - "I headed west I was a man on the move; New York had lied to me I needed some truth" - is a true tale of Shultz and Fraites, who struggled to break into the NYC music scene. They had to travel west to Denver and find Pekarek before they could break out big.

And that is exactly what they did. In about a 10 month span The Lumineers went from releasing a debut album and playing small bars, to filling arenas and being nominated for two Grammy's. Most of the early recognition came from lead single "Ho Hey." This foot stomping single builds up momentum and carries a pleasant melody with plenty of tambourine and chants. It's perfect for a live performance.

The backing album is just as good. You have your share of slowly accelerating love songs, similar to "Ho Hey," But you also have upbeat American songs like "Flowers in Your Hair" and "Classy Girls." Then you have old-time feel good tunes like "Parade" and "Flapper Girl." One last standout is "Stubborn Love," a song that is both haunting and uplifting at the same time.

Overall, this debut from The Lumineers is simple, catchy and meaningful, with plenty of shouts, claps and stomps along the way. My only complaint is that their songs are all so short that the album's length is only 42 mintues. You're left wanting more!

ALBUM RATING: 4 Stars

Very different from an Americana trio from Denver, is the six piece group, Of Monsters and Men. Although potentially looking American and speaking English, all members of this indie-folk-pop group hail from Iceland. They actually gained popularity by winning a national Icelandic Battle of the Bands in 2010, and eventually rode that success and a catchy EP into the states.

It was not until that same date of April 3, 2012 when the US was treated to the full length debut from Of Monsters and Men, entitled My Head is an Animal. The debut album featured lead single "Little Talks," which would grace alt radio stations throughout all of 2012. This first tune contained a great collaboration of the full band, highlighted by a strong trumpet and a series of enthusiastic "HEY's" sang by the backup vocalists.

The band itself is led by 2 singers - Ragnar Borhallson and Nanna Bryndis Hilmarsdottir. (Remember, they're from Iceland) The pair works very nicely off each other. Ragnar draws comparisons to Marcus Mumford, with a soft voice despite a husky frame. Nanna has a very pleasant voice, one capable of making it in a solo career.

But there's no argument that the band sounds its best when all six instrumental and singing voices are being heard at the same time. "Your Bones," "Mountain Sound," and "Six Weeks" are prime examples. They get everyone involved, crowd included. After going through some of these tunes it's no surprise why they have a reputation for being such a fun festival band.

Overall, My Head is an Animal is a fantastic debut. It has the ability to be great background party music with up tempo numbers, but also has slower story telling songs that balance out the album quite nicely. ("Love Love Love" is a prime example) Look for the strong lyrical theme of beasts, forests, blood, bones and wolves. (I realize that didn't sound appealing at all...but trust me, this is a good album!)

ALBUM RATING: 4 Stars



It'll be very interesting to see which of these two bands comes out with their sophomore album first. The Lumineers have been staying relevant with some international tours and a planned trip to Firefly this summer. Of Monsters and Men have been very quiet, possibly preparing for album number 2. Fingers are crossed that both can have strong follow up albums and avoid the dreaded "Sophomore Slump."