After the masses of albums out last week there was less of a choice this week. This one is a real gem though. Mumford & Sons are a four piece folk band coming out of the London folk scene that has also produced the likes of Laura Marling and Noah & The Whale. Three of the four members have in fact performed both live and on record with Laura Marling.I first heard Mumford & Sons through the extensive airplay they received on MTV2 with lead single "Little Lion Man". This song just got stuck in my had and that was in no way a bad thing, I loved it! I wasn't the only one either with Zane Lowe naming it as "Hottest Record in the World". After the brilliance of the single I was hoping that the album would bring me more of the same. Whilst I still think "Little Lion Man" is one of the highlights this is definately one of my albums of the year so far.
Production duties were performed by Markus Dravs (Arcade Fire, Coldplay, Bjork) and the result is very impressive. The song progressions and the often massive sound bring to mind Arcade Fire and this definately adds another dimension to the folk influences. There is a really strong emotional feel to the album as well. The vocals and the music working in perfect harmony to draw the listener in and give you a real sense of the emotions being portrayed through the lyrics.
Along with "Little Lion Man" the other highlights for me are "Winter Winds" and "Thistle & Weeds". To be fair there are no songs on this album that I don't like. I certainly don't find myself wanting to skip any tracks as I listen through. That isn't to say that every track on here is as strong as the others, there are some weaker moments that pass by without really making an impact such as "I Gave You All". I've been listening to this album on repeat and I am still not bored of it. It has earned a place amongst my favourites at the moment and I am excited and expectant for bigger and better things from this band in the future.
Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More
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