Of Monsters and Men Play Secret Show at Angel Orensanz [7/26/12]

“Derecho” – defined as a widespread windstorm associated with a fast-moving band of severe thunderstorms - definitely could not keep the fans from Angel Orensanz last night, where indie sensation Of Monsters and Men performed a secret show. The event was part of the recently-launched “Music Experiment,” a series of free live shows in select cities co-sponsored by MTV Iggy and Intel.

The concert itself was the perfect portal for the return of Vaudeville to the Lower East Side.  Before the Icelandic buzz band took the stage, there was over an hour of variety – burlesque, knife throwing, and contortionists.  And guests were urged to dress the part; many obliged. Plenty of suspenders and hair ornaments (plus masks) were in attendance.

As for the music, it was all very happy-go-lucky with positive energy in deep supply.  While the monsters, men, and women of this six-piece outfit rollicked through their album’s worth of down-home folk rock, the just-shy-of-capacity crowd danced and flailed.