Mumford and Sons - Babel

Mumford and Sons - Sophomore album from the drummer-free multi-platinum-selling Brit folk/rockers is the most highly anticipated release of the fall, a self-described "evolution not a revolution"...the conundrum for a band whose whirlwind strumfests best suited for the corner of a noisy pub is translating their success to a larger, arena-sized stage -- a challenge met head on with a new album that's bigger, cleaner and perhaps even more euphoric in it's heart-on-sleeve passions -- a logical, predictable step that will inevitably garner criticism from those looking for the more ramshackle charms of their 2009 juggernaut Sigh No More...Marcus Drav's once again is in the producer's chair // Release: Babel (September 25, Glassnote) // Sounds like: the heady rush of dobro-and-banjo-fueled bluegrass breakdowns is as formidable as ever as the Sons' evolve into a well-oiled engine that hums with an acoustic-based power equal to their more electronically charged brethren...however you judge the more polished, less impulsive feel and sound of Babel (you can't relive a first time, can you?) the twin strengths of the band --  a stompin', ecstatic live show and the gift for writing an infectious and memorable song -- stand as impressive as ever...

Quote: "We really call ourselves a live band, and it was really important to us to start really exploring that way of recording. On the first album, we didn't really get enough of our instruments to really pull that off. But after a few years on the road, I think sonically it's bringing a lot. And diving into the studio between spates of touring, I literally feel that the road has kind of rubbed off into the album." - Mumford and Sons' Ted Dwayne // What we like: Marcus Mumford's raspy vocals, the band's four-part harmonies and boisterous, buskery and seat-of-the-pants energy remain the foundation of songs like lead single "I Will Wait" and slow-building masterpiece "Broken Crown"...from a band that likes to mix balladry and mayhem within the confines of a single song, the stand alone slice of quiet introspection is something of a rarity -- fortunately when it does come, as on "Reminder" and "Ghosts That We Knew", the sensation is even more heartfelt in sweet relief...

 

Mumford and Sons - "I Will Wait" (from Babel)

Mumford and Sons - "Whispers In the Dark" (from Babel)