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| 2010, Glass Note Records |
How to describe Mumford & Sons 2010 release Sigh No More: Bluegrass Pop? British Folk? Indie Folk Rock? A folksy cross the Allmans and the Avett Brothers?
These boys from the UK have masterfully crafted an emotional, invigorating, and spiritually uplifting album. It is a wonderful mix of bluegrass and rock with a pop base. The album flows really well, changing pace from roaring, slamming banjo licks to slow picks. Their use of traditional instruments including banjo, violin, upright bass, and mandolin warms this bluegrass fan’s heart. Mumford & Sons hits on all my notes.
After my first listen to this album, I was immediately impressed by the energizing melodic mix and the meaningful and unpretentious lyrics that seem to fall in perfect synch with the music. Additional listens confirmed my initial response. Seldom do I like every song on an album, but each of these songs is full of melody and style.
“The Cave” is a great song, probably my personal favorite, mostly because of the lyrics. The first single released, “Little Lion Man,” possibly stands out as the best overall song on the album. The closing song, “After the Storm,” relays the helplessness of mortality. “I will die alone and be left there/Well I guess I'll just go home/Oh God knows where/Because death is just so full and man so small/Well I'm scared of what's behind and what's before.” The singer's grief is real and this song makes a perfect closing for the album.
I like a band with a catchy sound and meaningful lyrics...Mumford & Sons nails it.
Listen to "The Cave"
I like their sound a lot.
ReplyDeleteAlan