Mumford & Sons - Sigh No MoreI first heard about Mumford & Sons last year and quite by accident. For one reason or another, I found myself reading the BBC’s “Acts to Watch” list and one of the only bands that stood out was Mumford & Sons. And so began an obsession. I waited for months and months for their debut album to come out and finally on February 16th my patience was rewarded.
The album is full of rich instrumental arrangements, romantic production thanks to Arcade Fire and Bjork producer Markus Dravs, Neil Young-esque lyrics and phenomenal harmonies. It’s overwhelming to think that this group has only been playing together since 2007 because they sound like they’ve been playing together for decades. Listening to what the band has accomplished with this album makes it exciting to guess at what comes next.
It’s hard to pick tracks that stand out as they all shine in their own way. However, album opener “Sigh No More” is full of spirit and the playing on this track is top notch. What starts out as a Fleet Foxes sound a like quickly transforms into a best of the year contender. What surprises me is that this song hasn’t been one of the albums singles.
“Little Lion Man” is one of the albums more aggressive songs. And unlike most aggressive songs out there, this one has some pretty solid banjo.
“White Blank Pages” is a wonderful thematic sequel to “Little Lion Man”. And like Pearl Jam’s “Alive”, “Once” and “Footsteps”, Mumford & Sons are telling a three-part story. The final piece has been recorded, but not yet released. It contains every element that makes this album a must listen. The vocals are beautiful, the lyrics' rich and the music floats out of the speakers.
Best: Sigh No More, Little Lion Man, White Blank Pages
Check out their website here
Watch them live on BalconyTV here
And finally, their video for Little Lion Man
we totally have a post about the same album.
ReplyDeleteMine came first though. copycat.