Posted on 10/19/2010 1:09:04 PM PDT by Cinnamon Girl
They gave a sold out performance at the Hollywood Palladium last night but you've probably never heard of them. The band members play multiple instruments including banjo, accordion, string base, mandolin, keyboard, drums and guitar (which the lead singer sometimes plays at the same time)-- yet they aren't a bluegrass band. They're not even Americans; they're a group of four young Englishmen.
It's hard to classify Mumford and Sons' music, but the closest description is probably "folk rock." Their most popular song, "Little Lion Man" is junked up with a curse word, but an edited version is played on the radio in America.
Some of their songs like Awake My Soul have a strong Celtic quality. Some, like the new Nothing is Written have Appalachian notes. (How often do you see someone cut loose on the banjo?)
Marcus Mumford, the lead singer, was strong and clear the whole performance last night. Even though he has a husky voice to begin with, it never diminished in quality, and he had to sing over an audience of 4000, mostly college age kids, singing along with him.
(here's one they couldn't sing along to because they didn't know the words ;))
These guys really know their way around their instruments and that in itself is impressive, but on top of it, it seems that every one of their songs is either really good or great. Plus all four of them put their guts into every song, not just Marcus.
I think they said they were kicking off their American tour in Los Angeles and that the Palladium was their biggest venue. Based on the extremely enthusiastic sellout crowd last night, I venture that they had underestimated their popularity here and will need to add more dates or larger venues. As Chief Brody said: "You're gonna need a bigger boat."
(Stomp along.)
All your bass are belong to us.
Bookmark.
Thanks for the post. I really liked their music.
I have been a fan of these guys for awhile......whenever I listen to them I always feel like I should be in a pub a drinking and ale.......
Look them up and listen at home bookmark.
The one in the hat is not guilty! :)
That’s Winston, the banjo player. Marcus is my fav.
Does anyone know why the title of my post was changed?
I played the Awake My Soul You Tube clip you linked above and really liked what I heard!
Here’s an old school style one that I love: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynvbXaOmYag
It’s nice to have a band that can sing harmonies. Harmonizing seems to be a dying art these days. Good band.
Brace yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkbukDoowS0
And the all English version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXJO7FZegeI
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