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Mumford & Sons 'Sigh No More'

The debut album by UK band, Mumford & Sons

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'Sigh No More' by Mumford & Sons - Best Album of 2010 (so far)

Mar 4, 2010

by aunnyd

Rating:

The folk-rock quartet, Mumford & Sons hail from West London and have been building a loyal following in the UK for years, yet have made an indelible mark on the indie music scene here in the U.S. in a very short amount of time. They quietly debuted last year at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin where they were recognized even then as a band to watch.

The recent release of their debut album Sigh No More (on Island Records) is one of the most well rounded, heartfelt and evocative albums I have come across in a while. The last time I felt this way about an album was when Arcade Fire debuted 'Funeral' which is no surprise because the same man who produced it also produces for Mumford & Sons. I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that it doesn't matter what kind of music you like, this album transcends the typical "folk genre" it has been categorized in. Simply put, this album is for everyone.

The first single off of the album released in the states was Little Lion Man which also happens to be the band's first music video. This quick tempo, fiery folk number features traditional folk elements like the banjo, upright bass and hollow body steel guitars blended with edgy lyrics that seem to stem from tremendous heartbreak and regret. The band has amazing musicality; the lead singer splits his time between the guitar and the drums, while the bassist goes back and forth between the upright and the electric.

Little Lion Man (Official Video)

The second video, recently released is titled The Cave and maintains the same folk sound but is quite a bit softer than Little Lion Man. The melodies in this song are beautiful and showcase the band's ability to come together in their vocals as well as their musical accompaniment. The song writing ability of this group is undoubtedly something that they have been practicing for a long time, and it comes through in the maturity of the composition.

The Cave (Official Video)

One of my personal favorites off of the album is called White Blank Page, that once again features the four piece totally harmonious in song with lyrics that will make any woman's heart melt.

'Can you lie next to her, and give her your heart, your heart, as well as your body? And can you lie next to her, and confess your love, your love, as well as your folly?' And can you kneel before this king, and say 'I'm clean, I'm clean'. So tell me now where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart?'

Sentimental lyrics sung by four super cute English boys with accents. What's not to love?

White Blank Page (Bookshop Sessions)

Don't get me wrong, this is NOT a chick album. There is plenty on the record for the boys out there, and it's evident the way Mumford & Sons are climbing the charts, especially on college radio lists and garnering favorable reviews in popular mainstream music magazines like NME.

The band recently played a handful of shows stateside; one of the three shows, was held at the Troubadour in Los Angeles, which sold out in a matter of days, pretty impressive considering they are still relatively unknown. I was lucky enough to be a part of that packed crowd, and can say firsthand that the band's sound is just as complete live as it is on the album. They had some technical issues in the beginning but once those were resolved, managed to tear through the entire album, and three subsequent encores. The crowd couldn't get enough of them and wanted to make the most of the limited opportunities to see them perform live.

If you have the opportunity to go to a concert with these boys playing, don't hesitate, buy the tickets fast because they WILL sell out. They debuted a new song, which indicates they are working on new material for an upcoming album, and rightfully so because the twelve songs off of Sigh No More just aren't enough for me. I want more.

'Sigh No More' by Mumford & Sons - Best Album of 2010

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SLehfeldt March 04, 2010

um... so, do you wannna go? June 4...

aunnyd March 04, 2010

Uhhh YES please. I'm also going to see them at sasquatch in WA. Road trip? ;)

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More Mumford & Sons 'Sigh No More' reviews

Quick Tip by lyssachttr. October 19, 2010

posted in Music Matters

A Quick Tip by lyssachttr

jury is still out.. there's something random and refreshing about this music, which is wonderful. however it may be on that fine line of too random ; ) haven't heard the full album yet - but noticed they now have a single out on pop stations, which is interesting.

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About the reviewer

Aunny (aunnyd)
Ranked #157

Hi, my name is Aunny D. I was born and raised in the city that Mixmaster Mike made famous in the song 'So Wat'cha Want.' I have an obsession with my Boston Terrier, Sancho. "Sancho" … more