8.5 out of 10In the wake of the last couple of my Arcade Fire "Suburb" saturated months, I was introduced to Mumford & Sons. A rustic British quartet steeped in Folk Rock with a strong Bluegrass undertone. The virtually snare-less, knee-slapping rhythm supported by rapid fire banjo and intense acoustic strumming give most songs on this album an almost "Celtic spirit". The heartfelt story-telling efforts of band leader Marcus Mumford are some of the most honest and sincere lyrics I've heard in a long time. All four members lend a hand to the vocals on most tracks as well, thickening the soul of their intentions.
If this doesn't sound like your particular glass of ale, consider who is at the helm of this Indie powerhouse. Marcus Dravs who is also responsible for Brian Eno's "Nerve Net", James' "Wah Wah", Björk's "Homogenic", Coldplay's "Viva La Vida..." and Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible" as well as "The Suburbs". Which is precisely why it was such a smooth transition for me musically. They share the same similar organic formula as Arcade Fire which at times can be somewhat of a comfort from the "great Electronica take-over". No complaints whatsoever with said take-over, but I still crave the honest earthiness of bands like these from time to time. Still not convinced? Mumford & Sons has racked up awards galore including but not limited Best Band at the 3rd Annual BalconyTV Music Video Awards in Dublin, their song "Little Lion Man" was voted number one on the Australian Tripple J Hottest 100 countdown, "Sigh No More" has reached #1 in the Australian and Irish Album Charts, #3 in the Belgum Album Charts, #4 in the U.K. Album Charts, scored 4th or better in half a dozen different U.S. Billboard album categories and has clenched the #1 spot in U.S. Billboard Folk Album category in 2009. "Sigh No More" has since went double platinum in Australia and the United Kingdom and continues to gain momentum.
On tracks like "Winter Winds" and "Roll Away Your Stone", the drunken Irishman in you comes out and begs you to sing along in a crowded bar inhabited by the closest of friends, one arm over the shoulder of a comrade and the other hand swinging an overflowing beer stein. The track "Dust Bowl Dance" is one of the harshest tracks that just yearns for a backwater most-pit, very reminiscent of bands like 16 Horsepower and O'Death. Definitely recommended for fans of Arcade Fire and Noah and the Whale.
Standout Tracks: Winter Winds, Roll Away Your Stone, The Cave and Little Lion Man
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