In case you aren't familiar with Mumford and Sons, a quick background: 4 piece folk-ish/sort of/rock band from England. Fronted by Marcus Mumford, none of the members are his sons. The band had something of a cult following with EPs released in 2008 and 2009 and released their breakout album Sigh No More, which won some Billboard Awards, BRIT awards, and an ARIA as well as being nominated for 6 Grammy's 2 years after it's release. They toured really aggressively since that release (including some interesting stops involving railroads.) They are now quite a big deal.
I've been trying to put my finger on exactly what it is I love so much about Mumford and Sons. I can't begin to explain their popularity among the masses. I've never been able to figure that out articulately for any musician, so I'll stick with me.
1. This band's sound reminds me so much of the music of the mountains from back home. There's nothing that just sweeps me home like fiddles, banjos and harmony. It's rumored that a large inspiration for the folksy sound of Mumford and Sons came from Marcus watching the 2000 film Oh Brother, Where Art Thou. In case you aren't up to date in your Southwest Virginia trivia, the band that played the majority of that film's music is from Rocky Mount, Virginia, a hop, skip, and a jump from where I grew up. The sound and nostalgia it brings is one reason for my love.
2. I appreciate interesting instrumentation. It has probably been some time since a band nominated for Grammy's in the rock category regularly played banjo, fiddles, a Dobro and a stand up bass. If that's ever happened before... Still, it's interesting, it's unique and as I've expressed before in this forum, originality in music these days gets my attention every time.
3. The lyrics are full of longing, are forlorn and still possess hope and optimism. It's strange and comforting the way it all comes together.
4. Marcus Mumford is a fox.
5. I'm a voice person. There's something in Marcus Mumford's lead vocals that send chills up my spine. Being able to convey anger and soft vulnerability with a little gravel in a big voice all at once is an impressive accomplishment to me. Being able to produce the same sound live is an even bigger accomplishment. I stay impressed.
Now that we know a little of my Mumford and Sons obsession, let's look at "I Will Wait." This is the first single from the band's second album, Babel, which is set to drop on September 24th of this year. It's definitely a Mumford and Sons song, there's no mistaking that in the first 10 seconds or so. The strings hit you in the face, right from the beginning. I wouldn't say the instrumentation or general sound is all that different or altered from Sigh No More, but it is just a single. The entire album could go any which-a way. I noticed and as many friends of mine have mentioned to me, this single seems a little more upbeat/peppy than what we remember from Sigh No More. And I'll agree with that to a degree. The first few listens really give that more sunshiney feel but the lyrics are still forlorn and a little sad. But there's hope there. It's as Rolling Stone described it, "road-weary," talking about falling heavy into your arms and days of dust. The chorus really brings the hope, repeating over and over I will wait/I will wait for you. I'd sing a long to it. With a group of 20 friends in a pub somewhere. All of us thinking about being tired and beaten down and willing to wait for that one person, the one who will make the weary travel worth it. That person or thing or idea that will take the burden off and be there for any other difficult journeys ahead.
I like "I Will Wait." I don't think I love it. It's singable and has definitely given me that hit of Mumford and Sons that I've been waiting for. But I think Babel has more for us. Mumford fans like myself have been waiting for this new album for a long time and it can't come soon enough. I want to see what other surprises they have up the sleeve on their ratty Henley shirt.
