It was back in September of 2013 that Mumford & Sons announced that they would be taking a hiatus. They were not sure when they would be returning to the music scene or if they would at all. This was after the group had two incredibly successful albums with Sigh No More in 2009 and Babel in 2012. The band was at the height of their mainstream success when they stepped away from the stage. Now they are back, with a new sound and a brand new album, Wilder Mind.
Wilder Mind is an electric album but this doesn’t mean fans that fell in love with Mumford’s folk sound should shy away from this album. Yes, this is different and feels like a more modern outlook on their signature folk sound but evolution shouldn’t be viewed as a bad thing.
“Tompkins Square Park” opens the album. From the opening notes it is clear that this is a more modern and electric guitar heavy direction but the song builds on itself, adding in drums and the vocals from Marcus Mumford. Marcus Mumford has grown as a vocalist since Sigh No More. He is up front and confident. This song still has thoughtful lyrics, a compelling melody and is complex. Mumford & Sons took all of the elements that made them popular early on and strengthened their sound. The band as a whole seems more confident and is echoing their early influences through an amplifier.
Wilder Mind transitions effortless in the first single off the album, “Believe.” This single has the strongest connections to the band’s folk roots. It is after that single that the album kicks into high gear with songs like “The Wolf” and “Snake Eyes” feeling like rock ‘n’ roll singles instead of folk songs. The band is really showing what they can do instrumentally and seems to be re-discovering who they are creatively. These songs let the members stretch their musical minds and explore new options.
Songs like “Broad-Shouldered Beasts” and “Hot Gates” once again showcase the talent that comes the groups ability to frame lyrics in a way that not only help to tell the story but their instrumentals adds a layer of complexity and depth to every single.
When thinking back to 2013 and the outcry that came from fans at the thought that the band might never play again, Wilder Mind is a gift. This album shows that musical inspiration and creativity need to evolve and take different forms. In order for Mumford to keep inspiring fans, they need to first inspire themselves and this album feels like the result of that creative journey.
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