The "Indie Folk" Vocal Workout
Mountain Sound is a high-energy track from Of Monsters and Men's debut album My Head Is an Animal. It captures the essence of Icelandic folk-pop with driving acoustic guitars and punchy, shouted vocals. Unlike a traditional ballad, this song requires stamina, rhythm, and the ability to project without yelling.
To sing this well, you need to master the art of the "folk shout"—using your diaphragm to create volume while keeping your throat relaxed. Whether you are singing Nanna's melody or Ragnar's lower harmony, timing is everything. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it.
AI Coach Tip: Watch Your Breath
The verses are fast-paced with few gaps. Our analysis shows users often run out of air before the chorus. Practice "sip breathing"—taking quick, silent inhales between phrases like "I heard them calling / in the dark."
Phase 1: The Verses (0:12 - 0:45)
The song starts with Nanna's distinct tone. The line "I heard them calling in the dark" sits in a comfortable mid-range, but the rhythm is driving. You must articulate consonants clearly (especially T's and K's) to cut through the mix.
The Trap: It is easy to drag behind the beat. Try tapping your foot to the snare drum to lock in your vocal phrasing. Keep the tone conversational but energetic.
Phase 2: The Anthemic Chorus (0:45 - 1:12)
This is the moment everyone sings along to: "Hold your horses now / We sleep until the sun goes down." It requires a switch to a fuller, louder chest voice.
- Vowel Shape: On the word "Horses" and "Down," drop your jaw. A vertical mouth shape will give you the resonance needed for that stadium-folk sound.
- The "Hey!": These shouts need to come from the belly, not the throat. Think of it like a cheer, not a scream.
Phase 3: The Bridge & Harmonies (2:20 - 2:50)
The energy builds as the instruments drop out and slowly come back in. This section highlights the interplay between the male and female voices. If you are singing the lead, keep it steady. If you are harmonizing, listen carefully to blend your volume so you don't overpower the melody.
The repeated "Ooh, ooh" sections require good breath support to keep the pitch steady without wavering.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the female lead, the highest note is typically a C#5 (in the chorus harmonies). The male part generally stays below F#4.
Yes! Ragnar's part is perfect for Baritones. If you want to sing the lead melody, you can transpose the track down using the Singing Coach AI app.
The tempo is 112 BPM. You need to plan your breaths. Mark your lyric sheet with breath points, specifically after "dark," "out," and "start."
