There are moments in live music that feel almost dreamlike — when the connection between artist and audience goes beyond sound and light. Seeing Of Monsters and Men live for the first time was exactly that kind of experience.

I’ve been a fan since their My Head Is an Animal days, so finally catching them in person at Chicago’s Salt Shed felt surreal. The Icelandic indie-folk band made their return to the city with their new album All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade, and from the minute the lights dimmed, the crowd was ready. You could feel it — that mix of excitement and emotion pulsing through the room before the first note even hit.

The Salt Shed couldn’t have been a better setting. Its warehouse feel and open design paired beautifully with the band’s cinematic sound. Maybe I’m biased and I’ve said it before — the Salt Shed has quickly become one of my favorite venues in Chicago — but it really does make every show feel intimate.

When the band finally walked on stage, the place just erupted. They kicked off the night with “Television Love,” “Dream Team,” and “King and Lionheart,” and from there, the energy never dipped. The mix of new and old felt effortless, a reminder of how the band continues to grow while staying grounded in the sound that first drew everyone in.

As the first few songs unfolded, the lighting design elevated every moment. The visuals weren’t just stunning — they were intentional. Shifts in color and tone mirrored the emotion in the music, moving from warm, glowing hues to deep, moody blues. The lights didn’t just accompany the performance; they deepened it.

Of Monsters and Men didn’t need flashy effects to hold the crowd’s attention. Their strength has always been in connection — and that’s exactly what they focused on. From the start, it was clear this wasn’t just another stop on tour. Early in the set, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir shared how much she loves Chicago, even saying she’d love to spend the rest of her life here.

Throughout the night, the energy never wavered. The audience clapped along, sang every lyric, and filled the quiet moments between songs with shouts of “I love you!” and warm applause. Between songs, the band’s interactions felt genuine. After performing “Crystals,” Nanna took a moment to thank the crowd and check in on how everyone was doing. These simple gestures made the show feel deeply personal — like a conversation shared with friends.

When the band introduced “Styrofoam Cathedral,” one of the standout tracks from their new album, it proved just how well they’ve balanced growth and identity. Of Monsters and Men haven’t strayed far from their roots. Instead, they’ve built on their signature sound — layering emotion, depth, and storytelling in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. The new songs blended seamlessly with older fan favorites, creating a setlist that reflected the full arc of their evolution.

Of course, “Little Talks” was the moment everyone was waiting for. The second those familiar trumpet lines rang out, the room went wild. People jumped, shouted lyrics into the air, and grinned at strangers like old friends. It’s one of those songs that reminds you how powerful music can be when it connects everyone in the same feeling.

When the main set ended, no one was ready to say goodbye. The cheers for an encore started immediately, echoing through the venue until the band returned. They began with “Love Love Love,” and before starting, Nanna explained that it was the song that started it all — the reason Of Monsters and Men exists. You could feel the weight of that moment, the way it pulled the night full circle.

They closed the show with “Fruit Bat,” an eight-minute masterpiece that felt like the longest, sweetest goodbye. Each note lingered a little longer than the last. Before stepping off stage, Nanna thanked the crowd one last time and promised they’d be back soon — a promise the audience met with one more roar of cheers.

Walking out into the crisp Chicago night, I couldn’t help but smile. Getting to capture the night through my lens while experiencing it for the first time made it even more surreal — like standing in the middle of a dream you don’t want to wake up from.

It was the kind of show that stays with you. The kind that leaves your heart a little lighter and your week a little easier.

Of Monsters and Men delivered a night full of love, light, and connection — the kind of night that reminds you why live music feels like magic. They left us smiling, swaying, and already counting down the days until they’re back.