They've been described as "hillbilly Coldplay", "Coldplay with banjos" and weakly savaged by Pitchfork, but Mumford and Sons is surprisingly selling out club shows across America (including tonight's TLA show on South St.) without the benefit of the usual trappings of success, like airplay, signifiicant sales and widespread critical acclaim.
But look past the quaint name, the hobo getups and the galloping banjo (two banjo bands in a row!), and listen to the performances. Mumford and Sons have fashioned a nu-folk classic that finds the middle ground between Fairport Convention and David Gray. The new sheen production washes over old school playing, delving into spiritual matters of the heart and soul. Lead singer Marcus Mumford emotes as much as he sings, but the real power is when all four voices blend into a flannel choir.
Let's say an Anglo Fleet Foxes with more angst, less reverb... and way more banjo.
Mumford And Sons - Awake My Soul
Mumford And Sons - Dance, Dance, Dance (Neil Young cover)
Mumford And Sons - Cousins (Vampire Weekend cover)
But look past the quaint name, the hobo getups and the galloping banjo (two banjo bands in a row!), and listen to the performances. Mumford and Sons have fashioned a nu-folk classic that finds the middle ground between Fairport Convention and David Gray. The new sheen production washes over old school playing, delving into spiritual matters of the heart and soul. Lead singer Marcus Mumford emotes as much as he sings, but the real power is when all four voices blend into a flannel choir.
Let's say an Anglo Fleet Foxes with more angst, less reverb... and way more banjo.
Mumford And Sons - Awake My Soul
Mumford And Sons - Dance, Dance, Dance (Neil Young cover)
Mumford And Sons - Cousins (Vampire Weekend cover)