Brum Shots

It’s verging on absurd, the sheer number of instruments that have managed to be crammed onto the stage of Birmingham’s o2 Institute.

Opening act Árný Margrét has just finished a particularly camling set, her soothing vocals command a silence across the crowd. Now it’s time for Of Monsters and Men, hitting up Birmingham for the first time in years. Their soul release since 2019 came out last year and it’s time for us to celebrate with them.

‘Well that was cool.’ Female vocalist sums up the roaring, stomping chorus of the crowd that was King And Lionheart. Only a band this chilledd could get away with such nonchalance.

A broken string early in the set – apparently a sign of good luck. For us it brings new track Kamikaze – certainly no bad luck in here!

The setlist largely sticks to tracks from their latest album and namesake of the tour, All Is Love And Pain In The Mouse Parade. Where the first half of the concert remains relatively downbeat, the tempo slowly raises as the night wears on. Each of the obscure instruments that ajourn the stage get their moment in the spotlight, from melodica to synthesisers.

At times the performance feels spiritual, even holy. The stage-full of musician move from place to place with presicion and purpose.

Dirty Paws brings a new lease of life to the crowd followed by other up-beat crowd pleasers such as Crystals, Ordinary Creature and, of course, Little Talks.

The encore takes us back to the beginning with From Finner before the night ends with Fruit Bat. A night of true joy and reminisence all wrapped into one!