Mumford & Sons

My Mumford travels for round 5 took me to Columbia, Maryland for their Amphitheater gig at the Merriweather Post Pavilion. The Mumford's were rocking a new sound and new style since last I had seen them. They abandoned their signature banjo for their third album, and decided to plug in for an electric based record. It's different for sure.

That album, entitled Wilder Mind, was well on display this night. Marcus Mumford and company performed 10 of the 12 songs from the May release. This included 5 of the first 7 songs on the evening, showing Mumford has very much bought into this new style.

It's a completely different look for the band. They have a touring drummer with them, on a separate kit from Marcus. At times all 4 of the original band members are just jamming on their electric guitars and basses. My personal favorites of the new material is slow rolling 'Monster' and album opener 'Tompkins Square Park.' I'll also give credit to a cool version of 'Just Smoke,' where the band received help from openers The Maccabees.

For me though, the best songs on the evening were the ones from the bands original albums. They obviously have a different feel to them, and the crowd is much more into those tunes. The biggest song a long of the night was by far 'Awake My Soul.' The loudest ovations of the night, I would say were for 'The Cave' and 'Little Lion Man,' both off the debut.

Lead singer Marcus Mumford did a good job of mixing in the older material with the new. 'Lover of the Light' and 'Dust Bowl Dance' both added some familiarity after a series of new tunes. Marcus is one of the most impressive frontmen in my opinion. Not only does he sing, but he's going back and forth with acoustic and electric guitar, while operating a kick drum. He even goes over to the set and plays a full drum kit on a few tunes.

One thing that surprised me was the attitude of former banjo player turned guitarist Winston Marshall. In my past Mumford show experiences, Winston has always been the lovable banjo player who's smiling, getting the crowd going, and making jokes on stage. I'm not sure if he was having a bad night, but he was oddly quiet. There was no interaction between himself and the audience on the evening.

The rest of the gang voiced their appreciation though and put on a great set. The encore was phenomenal. After three favorites, the Mumford's ripped through new single 'The Wolf' as the final song on the night. I believe this was the best tune. The rocking guitars and whaling chorus make it seem more like a punk song with a Mumford appeal. It was a great ending.

Another awesome show from Mumford, but nothing topping that Babel tour. I like the new album, but not as much as those original two. It'll be interesting to see what direction the guys go from here. But still a worthwhile show.

CONCERT RATING: 4 Stars

La premessa è questa: sono un grandissimo appassionato dei Mumford al punto da conoscere tutti gli accordi delle loro canzoni (le 15 più belle) e mi sono letto il libro che ha ispirato gran parte dei primi 2 album, e sicuramente "Timshel", East of Eden di John Steinbeck (un capolavoro). Questo non per tirarmela (perchè non me ne frega niente) ma per cercare di rendere valida e affidabile questa recensione.
Lo scenario era quello dell'Arena di Verona, uno dei migliori. L'avevo già sperimentato in passato e l'idea di vedere i Mumford all'Arena con il loro stile rustico... bè, mi gasava parecchio.
Voto concerto: 6/7
Il problema principale è stato chiaro fin dai gruppi in apertura: erano mixati male.
O il fonico era ubriaco o le attrezzature del Service erano scarse.
Le casse "sfrittegavano" e con questo termine intendo il rumore che si sente quando vanno in picco con una determinata frequenza emettendo un suono distorto e fastidioso, quasi grattassero le casse.
I bassi erano sparati troppo in alto e le casse non reggevano.
Speravo che ci fosse un'equalizzazione diversa rispetto ai gruppi di apertura ma mi sbagliavo.
Per tutto il concerto il problema è persistito.
Oltre ai bassi anche la voce era troppo forte e in tutto questo mancavano dal background musicale il banjo e la chitarra di Marcus. Vi lascio immaginare le parti di sola voce e chitarra... erano un pò tristi.
Trombe e violino apparivano e sparivano.
In realtà per tutto il concerto si è sentito un evidente cambio di volumi per cercare di aggiustare il tiro.
Inutile dirvi che non ci sono riusciti.
Vi assicuro che una buona acustica cambia tutto.
Ma parliamo invece di cose serie: i Mumford!!
In realtà loro hanno suonato bene, hanno fatto la loro parte. Qualche classica cagatina con il pubblico e qualche piccolo effetto scenico.
Come i Coldplay, sono scomparsi e riapparsi in mezzo al pubblico per suonare qualche pezzo acustico. Di per sè non erano troppo originali nel coinvolgimento, ma ci poteva stare.
Altra grande pecca era l'assenza di maxischermi. Si vedeva bene il palco ma le loro facce non si distinguevano troppo, secondo me avrebbero dato il loro valido contributo nel coinvolgere emotivamente.
Stecca clamorosa di Marshall su "Monster" (canzone da limone duro).
Grandi assenti dal repertorio BABEL, SIGH NO MORE e TIMSHEL. Mi hanno tolto le mie ragioni di vita :-(
C'erano tutte le condizioni per renderlo perfetto... ma mi aspettavo un pò di più.

It was songs like Little Lion Man & Roll Away you Stone that initially captured my interest in the band. Sigh no More & Babel shared the same vibe with folk elements & some big hooks. For those whose only exposure to the band is these two albums the new tour may surprise some expecting a banjo laden party atmosphere. This is a band that seem intent to break people’s concept on who they are, the third album Wilder Mind changed the game by ditching the acoustic guitars & plugging in the electrics but the distinct Marcus Mumford vocals ever present & the heart of the band still intact. The new album Delta is with out question a brave step for the band & it will no doubt have its critics as the electro-pop & r&b elements will surprise everyone. After seeing them perform a lot of the new material last night those that don’t give the new album a second chance are missing out. The stage & lighting makes everyone feel like part of the show with the stage in the center of the venue & giving the band the option to go to perform to any section of the crowd they choose. Guiding Light, Slip Away, Rose of Sharon & Delta are the stand out tracks on the album for me & most of these were performed at Glasgow last night. It’s a show and a production that needs to be seen to be believed, massive spectacle, clearest sound I’ve heard live & lighting design & fireworks making for a set that you couldn’t take your eyes off. Gutted for those that had booked for the upcoming shows that have been postponed due to “technical & logistical issues” but trust me when they do perform for you it will be well worth the wait. Top marks gents, first time seeing you live but definitely will not be the last.

I've been a fan of Mumford & Sons since the release of their debut album, Sigh No More. I was captivated by their lyrics and instrumentation, and I never knew I could like folk-influenced music until I heard of them. Although I like their first album better, Mumford's sophomore album, Babel, is still great. On the second night of Lollapalooza last year, I got to listen to the lead singer's (Marcus) flawless voice, and seeing the band in the flesh was like a dream. It was such a beautiful night that I will always remember. My friends and I were in the process of recovering from Kendrick Lamar's show as we slowly headed over to the stage where Mumford & Sons were playing. There was an unbelievable amount of people who came out to see them. The crowd stretched all the way up to the road leading to the main area of the park. We decided not to immerse ourselves in the pit since we were still tired from the last concert, so we sat in an area where people were more spread out. It was so relaxing listening to Mumford under the city lights. I could see on the big screens how happy the band was as they played for us. The most memorable part of the concert was when they performed "Lover of the Light." Everyone was singing the chorus, and as the song started to build, there suddenly were fireworks behind the stage, lighting up the Chicago skyline with euphoric colors and light! It was such a beautiful and exciting sight too see. I'm still amazed at how perfectly timed it was. The crowd was so happy; none of us expected to experience a concert and a fireworks show at the same time. I'm so glad that I got to chill with Mumford & Sons after an upbeat day full of concerts.

Mumford and Sons are probably the best live band of the millennium. Their performances are always electrifying with boundless energy that resonates through whatever venue they are playing.

I'm lucky enough to have seen them 13 times in their evolution, from playing their second ever gig in the Union Chapel supporting Laura Marling, to wowing 500 people in a barn for an album launch party where the crowd got to do barn dancing with the band after they performed. Now they can headline Glastonbury and they made their very own Gentlemen of the Road festival which might sadly be the last show I'll have seen them at, depending on whether they return from their "hiatus".

When Mumford and Sons perform they always have a magic onstage and a surprise up their sleeves, usually bringing onstage all support bands or other bands at festivals they've played together with for an encore, wowing the crowd with stomping intense versions of Fleetwood Mac - The Chain or The Beatles - Hey Jude or With A Little Help From My Friends. Mumford and Sons live is a completely different experience from the commercial radio product most people know. They're the greatest songwriters of their generation and their folk bluegrass anthems pump infectious positive energy through every living breathing soul that witnesses this live experience. After Glastonbury 2013 the hype and the sales figures behind Mumford and sons trounced the Rolling Stones. That just about says it all. And they're amazing lovely funny guys.

Mumford & Sons have had an interesting rise to the cult following they now attain. The British audiences first of all embraced their own brand of traditional alt-folk and made the debut album 'Sigh No More' a commercial and critical success.

The Americans soon followed suit with their combined unashamed love of country and everything they consider to be twee and British, Mumford & Sons seemed a perfect match. Now their live show has taken them to some of the biggest stages on both sides of the Atlantic with the stomping folk of the debut and follow-up 'Babel'.

A Mumford concert is quite an unusual affair as the audience is constantly drifting between the hoe-down high energy of 'Little Lion Man' and 'Winter Winds' to the solemn and poignant 'Timshel' and 'Ghosts That We Knew'. There are moments of dark intensity in the form of 'Thistles & Weeds' and the epic main set closer 'Dust Bowl Dance'.

Despite a slight misfire during their Glastonbury headline set, Mumford & Sons have an integrity and craft in the way in which they make music that is often difficult to find in the 21st century.

19.05.2016 / Vienna Stadthalle - Mumford & Sons: it was an excellent concert, really unforgettable!! what a magic performance! from the first second totally flashed and fascinated! incredible atmosphere...marcus, ben, winston & ted rocked vienna stadthalle!...and the audience really loved the guys,- there was an incredible good energie,- 2 hours full with their brilliant songs: a wonderful mix of old and new songs, full with heart and soul touchings masterpieces..goose bumps at every song! i really hope that mumford & sons will soon come back to austria! for all who love the great music of mumford & sons,- if you ever have the possibility to see a live concert - take the chance - you must see mumford & sons live at least once in your life....to be impressed and fascinated! thank you so much for these great moments..i wish i could turn back time and see them again...unique concert!

Wow, what a show! Right from the start Mumford had huge energy, with a Stadium-era performance I haven't heard in years. All the hits interspersed with intimate moments. Highlights included Marcus running up from the floor of the Hartford XL center (hockey rink) to the upper decks all while singing, hugging fans, waving to the audience from the balcony. Wow! The crowd knew every tune and and sang along to most. Foot stomping, clapping high energy crowd. The encore blew me away. At the start, the band members went up to an upper deck balcony with one microphone, and sang a set a capela. Totally soulful, intimate, and engaging. Then they returned to the stage and kicked it into high gear with pyrotechnics, ear shattering volume and energy. They are one of top live performance bands to come about in decades!

It was amaaaazing!!!! Such a great crowd, jumping and singing together to every song, it was a wonderful experience. I have seen Mumford & Sons quite a few times, this was definitely a very special one. It was also the first time I saw the new 360 stage setup, and I absolutely loved it! The members are constantly moving around and with the beautiful lights, design and great sound it is a completely different and exciting level of a live show. This setup makes you feel a lot more ‘closer’, it’s like you’re a part of it all. I am very happy I have the chance to see then again soon at another stop of the Delta Tour, can’t wait! This is something everyone should experience at least once (but preferably tons) in their lives! :)

Mumford and Sons are a live band that never disappoint. The passion that goes into each performance is incredible. Crowd pleasers like "I will wait" "little lion man" and "the cave" will have you jumping up and down fist pumping along with a sea of Mumford loving fans. Mumford started off their career as a cult band playing small venues to less than 100 people now on their arena tours all over the world they still manage to create a gig vibe where you feel a connection to the band. No crazy pyrotechnics no backing dancers or costume changes Mumford are just 4 lads with the occasional drummer or fiddle player joining them on stage who create a mind blowing performance everytime.