The Heart of My Head Is an Animal
Released in 2011, "Lakehouse" is a definitive track from the Icelandic group Of Monsters and Men. It captures that quintessential "stomp-and-holler" indie-folk energy, combining acoustic textures with a driving marching band rhythm. Unlike a power ballad, the challenge here isn't range—it's texture and timing.
Singers often struggle with the duality of the track. It starts small and intimate, requiring a conversational tone, but builds into a massive, shouting chorus. You need to manage your energy reserves to ensure you don't run out of breath before the final crescendo.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Tempo
The acoustic guitar pattern is relentless. Beginners tend to speed up during the verses. Focus on locking your consonant enunciation to the snare drum to stay perfectly in the pocket.
Phase 1: The Conversational Verse
The song opens in D Major. Whether you are singing Nanna's part or Ragnar's, the approach is the same: "straight tone." Avoid using heavy vibrato here.
The Technique: Think of this less as singing and more as melodic speaking. Keep the vowels narrow and forward. The lyrics "I miss the comfort of this house" should feel intimate, as if you are telling a secret to someone sitting right next to you.
Phase 2: The "La La La" Chorus
This is the signature Of Monsters and Men sound. The melody lifts, and the texture thickens. The challenge here is resonance.
- Open Throat: For the "La la la" sections, drop your jaw slightly. If you smile too wide, the sound becomes thin and nasal. You want a "warmer" sound.
- Dynamics: Step up from mezzo-piano to forte here. This contrast is what gives the song its emotional lift.
Phase 3: The Gang Vocal Outro
The end of "Lakehouse" is a chaotic, beautiful build-up. In a studio, this is layered with dozens of tracks. Solo, you need to simulate this fullness.
Push your chest voice but keep it relaxed. Imagine you are singing around a campfire with twenty other people. The goal is unity and volume, not perfect operatic technique. Allow a little breathiness into the tone to match the indie aesthetic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The original recording features Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir and Ragnar Þórhallsson trading verses and harmonizing. In the Singing Coach AI app, you can choose to sing either the lead or the harmony line.
For the main melody, the highest chest voice note generally hits a D5 (for female voices) or D4 (for male voices). It sits comfortably in the middle register for most singers.
The key is minimizing vibrato. Use a straight tone at the beginning of notes and only let a little vibrato tail off at the very end of phrases. Keep your diction natural rather than overly polished.
