Well, apparently they they’re coming to the end of a long tour, and are very tired indeed. You could have fooled me. This barn dance is packed to the rafters and good on Mumford and Sons for putting everything into it.
Standing two feet away from Marcus Mumford, it is clear to see the frontman is brimming with talent. Whilst subjecting the crowd with his cold gaze, not even breaking a string in the first song can put him off his stride, his voice is in tune and full of raw fire and passion. This band is tight, and all the back-slapping that has occurred during 2009 is deserved. This team of new hip and young folksters sure know how to spin a tale or two, and people seem to want to join the ride.
Now there is no getting away from it, M&S are taking an important step into the spotlight now that people are finally starting to listen after two years of touring and promoting. They have risen from the much talked about ‘anti-folk’ scene and brought their music to the forefront of the media gaze. They are plastered everywhere you turn now; Myspace, Amazon, iTunes to name but three. Banjos and upright Double Basses seem to be the new black and the big money-making machines are right behind that. Will the spotlight change them, now that they have signed to major label Island Universal? Who knows - it is clear that their debut album ‘Sigh No More’ is far more polished than their previous two EPs. However, does this mean we can automatically categorise them as being mainstream? I don’t think so. These guys thrive on breaking down genre barriers, and they are doing that tonight with foot stomps, hand claps and ‘yeehaas’ galore!
Standout songs include album title track and gig opener Sigh No More, the gloriously uplifting Little Lion Man, the almost euphoric Roll Away Your Stone and the emotional The Cave. A blistering set by a group of men on a mission.
What a breath of fresh air, I needed that.
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