With its progressive chords, anticipatory nature, and whimsical lyrics, “Dirty Paws” from the Icelandic folk/pop group Of Monsters and Men gives the delightfully unsettling impression of a fairy tale that has been dressed up for adults. Starting off sweet, the soft vocals of lead singers Nanna Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallssonmakes initially make you think you’re in for a pleasant folk number that might belong in the open mic night of a local coffee shop. This notion doesn’t last long, however, for as the tempo picks up the driving drumbeats take their place, and you hear the considerable vocal strength of Nanna in a few well placed belts. It isn’t too long before you are submersed into an anthem worthy, feet stomping, angst stirring helluva good time.
In fact, there’s so much going on musically in this number it is almost easy to lose track of what’s going on, but this seems to partly be the beauty of what Of Monsters and Men has to offer. It is music that is all encompassing, that keeps you questioning, that is impossible to escape from. As you do begin to grasp the lyrics, it is unclear whether they are genius in theit subtle intricacy or arbitrary in the degree to which they are nonsensical. I’m of the opinion it doesn’t much matter either way…the sound takes effect with or without lyrics.
So if you’re longing for adventure, if you’re on the verge of dropping everything to go gallop around the world, if you’re dreaming of far away lands, or dragon-fighting is starting to look like a serious career option, just make sure you have “Dirty Paws” on your iPod to serve as an inspirational and appropriate theme song.