Today, British band Mumford & Sons have released their third studio album titled Wilder Mind. The band consists of Marcus Mumford (lead vocals, electric guitar, drums), Ted Dwane (vocals, acoustic bass, electric bass), Ben Lovett (vocal, piano, keyboard, synthesizer), and Winston Marshall (vocals, electric guitar). The album credits list producer James Ford as a drummer as well, and The National's Aaron Dessner (keyboards), in addition to Tom Hobden (violin), Thomas Bartlett (keyboards), Dave Nelson (trombone), and Benjamin Lanz (trombone).
Speaking with Rolling Stone about the electrified direction of the band, Marcus Mumford said:
By the end of our touring cycle that we finished in October 2013, we kind of had dropped some acoustic instruments and started playing with electric instruments and really left it there. Then we did a demo and then went to Aaron Dessner’s garage in New York, in Ditmas, and it was really as a result of that song that we went away knowing that we’d come back to a certain sound. It didn’t feel like a huge departure in some way, you know? It felt kind of natural to us. It sounds kind of like a jolt or something, but for us it was just where we were headed. We were never too heavily wedded to a certain type of instrument. It was more like a certain type of songwriting, but even that has changed a bit.
Many of the songs found on the album contain upbeat drumming, dreamy guitar riffs, and Marcus Mumford’s soothing vocals. "Believe" has a full pop rock sound, with drums, synths, and sweeping electric guitar notes coming together. "The Wolf" is an upbeat rocker that channels Mumford's unique energy. "Wilder Mind" is a smooth flowing tune, supported with atmospheric keys. "Monster" is a gentle number with reflective lyrics like, "Yours is the face that makes my body burn."
Comparisons to Coldplay and U2 could be applied to Mumford & Son's new sound, especially in songs like "Snake Eyes" and "Only Love." There are plenty of swelling choruses and hypnotizing guitar riffs, and "Hot Gates" is a testament of the band's ability to put down the instruments and close out the album with a beautiful piano driven ballad.
Wilder Mind may upset some fans who wish the band would stick to their folk driven rock sound, but in order for a group to progress, they must expand, and sometimes experiment, with their material. Mumford & Sons have done that on this album, and I commend them for that.
Recommended songs include "Tompkins Square Park," "Wilder Mind," "Snake Eyes," "The Wolf," and "Only Love."
Wilder Mind is currently available on Amazon (Vinyl, CD, MP3). You can also stream the full album above, via Spotify, which includes four bonus live tracks.
For the latest music news, and tour dates from Mumford & Sons, check out their Zumic artist page.
