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Single Review: Of Monsters and Men – Alligator

The first song of Of Monsters and Men’s next album Fever Dream has just been released after a four-year-long absence. I expected quite a lot from the band as they made us wait for so long
since their last album Beneath The Skin which came out in 2015.

Their new single ‘Alligator’ did not disappoint. Like most of their songs, the chorus is memorable and impassioned, which made me think of their song ‘Crystals’ in a similar way. This is
not surprising as the producers of ‘Alligator’ also produced ‘Beneath The Skin’. Overall, the sound is fierce, filled with tension and fuelled by overdriven guitars as the voice reaches for ultimate freedom.

“We are so excited about Alligator, the first release from our
upcoming album,” the band jointly stated to NME. “The song very much speaks to the excitement and energy that we feel about being back. We can’t wait to share more music and see everyone again.”

Quite different from their debut album which includes essentials such as ‘Dirty Paws’ and ‘Little Talks’, the band has walked away from their original folk style to assert a darker rock identity
which they started building up with their last album. Fever Dream promises to be a strong comeback for the Icelandic band, reflecting the confidence they have expressed on their new work.

Single Review: Shawn Mendes – If I Can’t Have You

After a long year of touring, Shawn Mendes is back again with a new single year after his previous self-titled album was released.

The incredibly catchy, ‘If I Can’t Have You’, feels very classic Shawn; the piano, synth and guitar are relatively stripped back highlighting his extraordinary, raw vocal range. However, this single also has a fresh hint of something new and exciting, despite Mendes stating that this is a stand-alone single and is not the start of a new album sequence.

There is no doubt that this single will be a major hit, full of vibrant energy when performed live. On stage, Shawn Mendes never fails to make the crowd feel immersed in the emotions of his songs. This new single has the capacity to be both an opening and closing song of his set.

‘If I Can’t Have You’ is a punchy and upbeat, yet smooth tune that suits just about every mood. It suggests power, lust, sadness, but it is also an absolute party jam. Despite focusing on the subject of an unattainable lover, the single is a perfect feel-good melody for post-exams. I will now be forever hoping this bop will come on in Unit 1 so I can feel its full potential as a dance tune.