Of Monsters and Men, August Ponthier
July 14, 2026
Harrah’s Stir Cove, Council Bluffs, Iowa
Review and Photos by Adam Tibbott
Some concerts rely on spectacle. Others succeed because they create a feeling that lingers long after the final note. The opening night of Of Monsters and Men’s The Mouse Parade Tour at Harrah’s Stir Cove belonged firmly in the latter category.
Launching a tour always comes with a certain unpredictability, but there was little evidence of first-night jitters. Instead, the Icelandic indie-folk favorites delivered a polished, heartfelt performance that balanced nostalgia with the fresh energy of their latest material. It was also a milestone evening for opener August Ponthier, who not only joined the tour for the first time but also made their Iowa debut.
August Ponthier’s set proved to be the perfect introduction to the evening. Armed with little more than an expressive voice, thoughtful songwriting, and an easy rapport with the audience, they transformed Stir Cove from a busy outdoor amphitheater into something that felt remarkably intimate. Songs from Everywhere Isn’t Texas carried equal parts vulnerability and quiet confidence, earning enthusiastic applause from a crowd that may have arrived unfamiliar with the music but quickly became invested. For an artist making a first appearance in Iowa on the first night of a major tour, it was an impressive statement.
As twilight settled over the Missouri River, Of Monsters and Men took the stage to a roar that had been building all evening. From the opening moments, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallsson reminded everyone why their vocal chemistry remains one of the most distinctive pairings in modern indie music. Their harmonies felt effortless, weaving together songs that have become beloved over the past decade alongside material from All Is Love and Pain in the Mouse Parade.
What has always separated Of Monsters and Men from many of their peers is their ability to make expansive songs feel deeply personal. The arrangements grew from delicate acoustic passages into sweeping crescendos without ever feeling forced. Every member of the band contributed layers of texture, creating the rich, cinematic sound that has become their signature.
Of course, the biggest singalongs came during classics like “Little Talks” and “King and Lionheart.” Thousands of voices echoed back every lyric, turning Stir Cove into one enormous choir. Yet the newer songs never felt overshadowed. Instead, they blended naturally into the set, showing a band that continues to evolve while remaining unmistakably themselves.
Visually, the production complemented the music rather than competing with it. Warm lighting, earthy tones, and subtle stage design reinforced the dreamlike atmosphere, allowing the songs and the stories within them to remain the focus.
Opening nights often serve as a preview of what’s to come. If this performance is any indication, The Mouse Parade Tour is poised to be one of the year’s most memorable tours. August Ponthier couldn’t have asked for a stronger introduction to new audiences, while Of Monsters and Men demonstrated that even after years away from extensive North American touring, their music still carries the same emotional weight that first captivated listeners around the world.
For one evening in Council Bluffs, Icelandic folklore, heartfelt storytelling, and genuine human connection came together beneath the summer sky, reminding everyone that the most unforgettable concerts aren’t always the loudest, they’re the ones that make thousands of people feel like they’re sharing the same story.
