Of Monsters and Men Bring "The Mouse Parade Tour" to Nashville

Of Monsters and Men Performing at The Pinnacle, Samantha Graessle

An eager audience hummed with anticipation from the balcony to the floorboards of the Pinnacle, waiting for Icelandic band Of Monsters and Men to step into the spotlight on Monday night.

Fourteen years after their debut album “My Head is an Animal,” the indie-folk group is traveling across North America and Europe, performing songs from their entire discography. Kicking off Oct. 28 in Toronto, “The Mouse Parade Tour” now has several sold-out dates, including Thursday’s show in Austin, Texas, and a few in the United Kingdom.

The band brought waves of nostalgia to fans in Nashville who’ve supported Of Monsters and Men since they initially formed, while also generating more excitement for their 2025 album “All is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade.”

Praising their opening act, Arny Margret, group members expressed significant gratitude for their tour.

“We have so many incredible musicians in Iceland, and it's so nice to be able to tour together,” said Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, the band's lead vocalist and guitarist alongside Ragnar þórhallsson.

Opening with “Television Love,” Of Monsters and Men captured the audience's attention immediately, and then directed it to “King and Lionheart,” where fans clapped along to the beat.

Emotions swelled when the group formed a circle on stage surrounding one microphone for an a cappella opening to their 2012 hit “Dirty Paws.”

“I was mesmerized. That was such a cool part,” said Erin Brizic, a fan from Huntsville, Alabama, who’s listened to the band since middle school. “I was waiting to hear that guitar line, and I was so emotionally moved by that.”

While audience members happily welcomed songs from the band's newest album, nothing compared to the reaction elicited by older songs like “Crystals” and “Little Talks.”

“‘Little Talks’ made me cry. I felt like I relived my childhood,” said Ace McAlister, Brizic’s friend who’s been a fan since 12 years old.

By far the most commanding force on the stage was Hilmarsdóttir, who donned a short-sleeved grey sweater dress with long spirals at the bottom, an outfit nearly as soft and eccentric as her energy on stage. Hilmarsdottir delivered an emotional rendition of “The Actor,” taking center stage while þórhallsson stepped out of the spotlight.

“This one is kind of a song about protecting, I guess, putting on a brave face,” she said. 

Hilmarsdottir even descended from the stage at one point, gliding up and down the barricade to sing with her fans.

As the tone shifted from sentimental to carefree with each song change, Of Monsters and Men commanded the audience, bringing them along for every feeling.

There was even playful banter between the lead singers and the crowd, like when a fan rattled off their full names and took þórhallsson by surprise.

“Do you know our social security numbers too?” he joked.

Hilmarsdóttir and þórhallsson joking with audience members between sets, Samantha Graessle

From their effortless connection with the crowd to the sheer harmony between the band, Of Monsters and Men played with the ease of seasoned performers and showcased an earnest humility for their fans.

Still, the lighting design and sound were expertly crafted, allowing the group to shine both literally and sonically.

After a roaring ovation following the band's departure on stage, they returned for a brief encore to satiate the audience.

“This is really the last song, we were kidding earlier,” Hilmarsdóttir teased. Ending on “Fruitbat,” Hilmarsdóttir thanked the audience once again.

“We’ve had a lovely time,” she said.

Following Hilmarsdóttir’s passionate final act, fellow bandmates joined her at the front of the stage to take a bow as fans gleamed from across the audience.

“The Mouse Parade Tour” will continue through the end of the year and finish in March 2026 after the European leg.

This article was written by Haley Ramsey