Mumford & Sons
Sigh No More
Glass Note
February 16
By Melissa Traynor
Forgive the following comparisons: this album is probably what would happen if Fleet Foxes showed Dave Matthews band what folk correctly sounds like. I say Dave Matthews because, well, lead singer Marcus Mumford croons like a cleaned-up version of the jam band leader. Sigh No More presents the listening with whirling bits of banjo and unique, soaring vocal harmonies, but it also features these little quiet moments that close off the energy with small dramatic hushes.
Brit-folk band Mumford & Sons offer a debut record here that I doubt they will be able to top with a sophomore production; it is a graceful combination of beauty and melancholy infused into 12 tracks.
A defining Sigh No More song is “I Gave You All,” which begins with slow-building guitar picking and Mumford’s lead vocals twisting in and out of notes both painful and sprightly. It forces attention on the lyrics and vocals, beyond anything else. And I think this is where Dave Matthews comparisons are totally warranted: Mumford’s voice seems to stretch certain words, or notes individually so that they sound worn, but not necessarily raspy. His pronunciation of the words “home” or “won” – they rhyme in the song – are drawn out with meaning.
The song breaks into a somber chorus that eventually lends itself to more upbeat strumming – and horns, the trademark of a song worth anything. And much quicker than it began, the song burns out with a few last gasps.
Mumford & Sons have previously released singles “Winter Wind” and “Little Lion Man” from Sigh No More in 2009 – absolutely stand-out tracks. The former is a wholesome and (moderately) upbeat, sort of carpe diem song, albeit brought along by reluctant lyrics. It’s perfect for a drinking song to be shared over a few pints. The latter, “Little Lion Man” is similarly whole-sounding, but not quite as catchy.
“The Cave” is another particularly unique song, full of odd rhymes and humor, and wordplay. It’s a track off a similarly album that, given the weird release dates over the 2009-2010 winter, will be an easy candidate for many top 10 lists come next winter. Or even top five. Keep Mumford & Sons in mind with their debut the next time you’re in the mood for some mellow folk.
