Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More

[Gregory Robson]

Mumford and Sons - Sigh No More
Record Label: Glassnote
Release Date: Feb. 16, 2010

And the bar has been set even higher.

Of all the European bands to focus attention on ––– and there are many ––– few are as worthy as the British quartet Mumford and Sons. Founded in 2007 by Marcus Mumford and three of his closest friends, the band's full-length debut Sigh No More is a folk musician's wet dream: a cornucopia of acoustic arrangements, brass accompaniments and a multitude of resplendent crescendos.

Aided by the sturdy vocals of Mumford, the disc opens up with the teetering title track, a quiet exercise that later collapses on top of itself and gives way to a rousing finish. The song also serves as a harbinger of things to come as the dramatic conclusion is repeated in nearly all of the disc's dozen songs. "White Blank Page," is especially potent as Mumford belts, "But tell me now, where was my fault, in loving you with my whole heart." Even at its most crestfallen, the music is so vibrant and rich, the end result is hypnotic and undeniably alluring.

For all its dark and hazy verses (“I’ll go out back and I’ll get my gun / you haven’t met me yet I’m the only son,") Sigh No More is indeed a record about hope. More often than not Mumford sings about compassion and tenderness in the most endearing ways. A sampling of said compassion includes: "But take the spade from my hands and fill in the holes you've made," "I'll find strength in pain and I will change my ways," "And there will come a time, you'll see, with no more tears," "I won't let you choke on that noose around your neck." Sprinkled into the mix are verses about waning faith, the strength of willpower and armfuls of domestic dysfunction.

The biting ballast of "Thistle and Weeds," "Roll Away Your Stone," and "Little Lion Man," take on all comers with dubious lyrics, winning choruses and pounding organs, while the hopeful "Winter Winds," and the deeply affecting "Timshel," allow gently plucked guitars to marry well with their textured harmonies. "I Gave You All," on the other hand is a timeless ode to hindsight and a wrecked romance, in which Mumford vacillates from weary to hopeful to bitter to murderous in one fell swoop. Similarly, "Awake My Soul," is explosive, ecstatic and rapturous, possessing a hurricane of emotion. The optimistic and pensive closer, "After the Storm" paints a lucid resolution to an album that traverses stormy fields of vengeance, bitter ache and despair.

Anchored by mandolin, banjos and flugelhorns, to name a few, Sigh No More is richly textured, exquisitely performed and without flaw. Producer Markus Dravs (Coldplay, Bjork James, Brian Eno) knows how to perfectly harness the band's ambition, allowing the quartet to never falter under the weight of their own expectations. Due in part to its abundance of climactic finishes and riveting crescendos, the disc is undoubtedly histrionic, a trait that for many would come across as forced, feigned or foolhardy. Instead, these barely twenty-somethings have crafted an impressive and anthemic disc that howls, belts and struts from start to finish. Boozy, love-weary and ever resilient, Mumford and his bandmates fight against pestilence and plague in a forward march that is sweetly harmonic, foot-stompingly tremendous and nothing short of irresistible.

What's most exciting about Sigh No More is that this isn't a band ten albums into their career finally hitting their stride. This is indeed the band's first full-length disc. Aside from three EPs, there is no vast back catalog of material. And then there's the youth. How did a disc this forward-thinking, this dramatic and this timeless come from four lads so young? Who is truly more precocious than them? Transformative, entrancing and wholly confident, Sigh No More is head and shoulders above the competition. And while lofty expectations now rest on their shoulders, this British quartet seems ever capable to take on the burden of being "the next big thing." One listen to this disc is proof of that.

1. Sigh No More
2. The Cave
3. Winter Winds
4. Roll Away Your Stone
5. White Blank Page
6. I Gave You All
7. Little Lion Man
8. Timshel
9. Thistle and Weeds
10. Awake My Soul
11. Dust Bowl Dance
12. After the Storm

Country Winston Marshall: vocals, banjo, dobro
Ben Lovett: vocals, keyboards, organ
Ted Dwane: vocals, double bass
Marcus Mumford: vocals, acoustic guitar, kick drum, tambourine, mandolin

The Swell Season, Arcade Fire, Fleet Foxes, Noah and the Whale, Crosby Stills Nash and Young

Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/mumfordandsons)
Website (http://www.mumfordandsons.com)

[S9Dallasoz]

People LOVE this band.
Hasn't yet clicked with me yet, though.

[live.]

Nice review. I can only get into "Little Lion Man" as of late, but maybe I need to revisit this one.

[Wake Up]

Great review Robson.

[Debut_Fin]

People LOVE this band.
Hasn't yet clicked with me yet, though.
That's how I feel about them too

[Jeremy Aaron]

I've seen some pretty scathing commentary on this album, but I can't help but love it. "Little Lion Man" has become a huge, huge hit around here, and I can easily see them blowing up big time.

[gjpinizz]

i had a chance to listen to half of this one night and couldn't get it out of my head for two days. finally got to listen to it a few times more and continued to love it.

really glad this album got a review here. this album is really great. the lyrics are amazing

[Gregory Robson]

I've seen some pretty scathing commentary on this album, but I can't help but love it. "Little Lion Man" has become a huge, huge hit around here, and I can easily see them blowing up big time.
So glad you are a fan. And yeah, Pitchfork slammed it, as did a few others. I'm not quite sure why? Is it too dramatic for people? Are the soaring crescendos too much? It's pretty confusing to me. So nice to know they are big in the state capital. They have yet to make a dent on Long Island. And yeah, I do think they are in for a break out year.

[inthemidst]

With this much praise from you Greg, I'm forced to comply by looking into these guys. I've only heard of them through word of mouth, but this most certainly sounds like a splendid listen.

[Gregory Robson]

With this much praise from you Greg, I'm forced to comply by looking into these guys. I've only heard of them through word of mouth, but this most certainly sounds like a splendid listen.
It won't let you down.

[Jeremy Aaron]

So glad you are a fan. And yeah, Pitchfork slammed it, as did a few others. I'm not quite sure why? Is it too dramatic for people? Are the soaring crescendos too much? It's pretty confusing to me. So nice to know they are big in the state capital. They have yet to make a dent on Long Island. And yeah, I do think they are in for a break out year.
Well, we are lucky enough that our alternative station is independently run, so the playlist (http://www.weqx.com/viewentry.asp?ID=317512&PT=weqxmusic) is more left of center than most. I only listen in the car, but they play the top 5 requested songs of the day during my commute home, and "Little Lion Man" has been at the top every day for at least the last two weeks. I don't know how much appeal they are likely to have to a wider audience, but they've definitely found some fans.

As for Pitchfork et al., I read most of Pitchfork's reviews every day, and while I admire their writing acumen, I sometimes get a sour taste from their ever-present cynicism. After reading their work, I sometimes wonder if Stephen M. Deusner, Scott Plagenhoef and friends have ever truly enjoyed an album in their lives. For me, that's paramount. So if I feel an emotional connection to something and like the music, it will get a high score from me. Those guys are way too cool for that.

[inthemidst]

It won't let you down.
Thanks for the rec as always!

[inthemidst]

Well, we are lucky enough that our alternative station is independently run, so the playlist (http://www.weqx.com/viewentry.asp?ID=317512&PT=weqxmusic) is more left of center than most. I only listen in the car, but they play the top 5 requested songs of the day during my commute home, and "Little Lion Man" has been at the top every day for at least the last two weeks. I don't know how much appeal they are likely to have to a wider audience, but they've definitely found some fans.

As for Pitchfork et al., I read most of Pitchfork's reviews every day, and while I admire their writing acumen, I sometimes get a sour taste from their ever-present cynicism. After reading their work, I sometimes wonder if Stephen M. Deusner, Scott Plagenhoef and friends have ever truly enjoyed an album in their lives. For me, that's paramount. So if I feel an emotional connection to something and like the music, it will get a high score from me. Those guys are way too cool for that.
Amen.

[con40dmitri]

good.

[Gregory Robson]

Well, we are lucky enough that our alternative station is independently run, so the playlist (http://www.weqx.com/viewentry.asp?ID=317512&PT=weqxmusic) is more left of center than most. I only listen in the car, but they play the top 5 requested songs of the day during my commute home, and "Little Lion Man" has been at the top every day for at least the last two weeks. I don't know how much appeal they are likely to have to a wider audience, but they've definitely found some fans.

As for Pitchfork et al., I read most of Pitchfork's reviews every day, and while I admire their writing acumen, I sometimes get a sour taste from their ever-present cynicism. After reading their work, I sometimes wonder if Stephen M. Deusner, Scott Plagenhoef and friends have ever truly enjoyed an album in their lives. For me, that's paramount. So if I feel an emotional connection to something and like the music, it will get a high score from me. Those guys are way too cool for that.
In total agreement about Pitchfork. Very well said. Also. similar to your local radio station. My brother lives in Raleigh, NC and the local CD store has been sold out of Sigh No More for almost a month now. Every time he comes in, they're out of stock.

[mushroom]

Brilliant record unfortunately its just been made irrelevant by Laura Marling's "I Speak Because I Can", actually come to think about it Marcus used to play drums for Laura and i think he does quite alot of backing vocals on her new album aswell.

[spansen]

i learned of them last year from a radio-friend of mine, and of course grabbed a hold of it then.

unfortunately for me, they play in the town i just moved from in the next couple of months..

[SeanEBoy2686]

It's a really good album and I'm glad it's getting the praise it deserves from pretty much everyone.

Good review

[Keagan Ilvonen]

Amazing band, spectacular record. I should have listened to them ages ago. Criminally underrated as well. Don't understand why Pitchfork gave it such a low rating, then again I don't understand many things.

[mmitrick]

This CD is awesome, glad to see them get some recognition. Buy this instead of the new MGMT, you will not be disappointed.

[Numero10]

Great album

[reid]

i remember the first time i heard this a few months ago. i keep coming back to it to the point where i have to force myself to play something else for fear that i'll get bored of it. it's so insanely good!

[IamTheINDUSTRY]

SO good. screw pitchfork.

[deebs823]

awesome review! awesome album!

[StartAngry&Mad]

A girl's been riding me for weeks (figuratively more than literally) to check these guys out, but I really haden't been compelled. Yet after this review I can't help but want to give it a spin
..though when I do, I might avoid telling her about reading your commentary

[Alex_Burton]

The record is definitely over the top, and it poses as being antique in a way that it's not really, and I think that's why it gets flack. Personally, I fucking love this record and am highly anticipating their NYC show at Webster Hall, which I will be attending.

[aerofan11]

Great album.
Completely agree with the score, and the review. Good job! :-)

[mtthwhdl]

I loved this album last November/December. I'm glad to see it get a proper review.

[cardhousedreame]

I adore this band's music.

[Chrisj182]

Brilliant review, one of the best albums last year for me.

[gladnads]

great album.

[Kyle Huntington]

Still kinda taken aback by how much they have exploded. Only less than a year ago I saw them in a tiny venue in England supporting The Maccabees, now they're on Letterman and allsorts.

[youngmountain]

hmm, I would say this album is no where near a 90, only song I like really is little lion man.

[Kyle Huntington]

"Sigh No More", "White Blank Page", "The Cave" "I Gave You All" and "Dustbowl Dance" are all great. Great guys and great live.

[blinkme]

Their live show is other worldly. Seriously, if you get a chance to see them live, do it!

[RuckerPark]

AOTY candidate. it being 1/4th over and all.

[Kyle Huntington]

I forget it only came out this year in America too.

[j4callen]

So glad you are a fan. And yeah, Pitchfork slammed it, as did a few others. I'm not quite sure why? Is it too dramatic for people? Are the soaring crescendos too much? It's pretty confusing to me

This album is so damn good. I enjoy some Frightened Rabbit and We Were Promised Jetpacks and I feel like Mumford has some of that going on, along with a dash of Fleet Foxes. But then just BETTER songwriting.

I feel like Pitchfork is irrelevant to 95% of music listeners. It seems like you have to be super marginalized on the hipster side of things to agree with almost anything they say. And most people who agree with them, like the people who write the reviews, are playing a role to feel cool and superior and don't even honestly like the shit they praise. At least that's the impression I get -- like they're all characters from "Admit It!"

[Akissforher]

i still dont get the hype for these guys, call me crazy :shrug:

[Deadbolt23]

Love this album. It's exactly what I need.

[Gregory Robson]

The record is definitely over the top, and it poses as being antique in a way that it's not really, and I think that's why it gets flack. Personally, I fucking love this record and am highly anticipating their NYC show at Webster Hall, which I will be attending.
I'll be there as well. Whooo!

[jesse-k]

amazing album, amazing band. Im glad someone reviewed this, I rec'd this a few weeks back and Im glad Im not the only one liking this :)

[Alex_Burton]

I'll be there as well. Whooo!
Awesome! I guess some of us dudes just have great taste.

My brother saw Mumford back during CMJ and said the live show was incredible, so i'm super pumped for this!

BTW I really liked your TigerCity review!

[amii_G]

You could have written another whole review just about their lyricism. Beautiful, beautiful stuff.

[Gregory Robson]

Awesome! I guess some of us dudes just have great taste.

My brother saw Mumford back during CMJ and said the live show was incredible, so i'm super pumped for this!

BTW I really liked your TigerCity review!
Thanks man. I appreciate that.

[Rynaldo]

So glad you are a fan. And yeah, Pitchfork slammed it, as did a few others. I'm not quite sure why? Is it too dramatic for people? Are the soaring crescendos too much? It's pretty confusing to me. So nice to know they are big in the state capital. They have yet to make a dent on Long Island. And yeah, I do think they are in for a break out year.

Probably Pitchfork slammed it for being commerical (even though the band uses banjos, doros,madolin ect).Ill admit that the songs are basically pop songs with unorthodox instruments but the album is very good.I also dont why pitchfork criticizes The Mars Volta so much

[Travis Parno]

took me a while to get to it, but i'm listening now and loving it. thanks for the rec, greg!

oh, and "resplendent crescendos" is a brilliant turn of phrase (and you know how i LOVE a good turn of phrase haha)

[Steeeve Perry]

Little Lion Man won the JJJ Hottest 100 (the biggest annual music countdown... that I know of) by a record margin. The song is great, but I don't know how I'd go stomaching an entire album from start to finish. Second single The Cave is a slight miss for me.

[Gregory Robson]

took me a while to get to it, but i'm listening now and loving it. thanks for the rec, greg!

oh, and "resplendent crescendos" is a brilliant turn of phrase (and you know how i LOVE a good turn of phrase haha)
Humbled by your comment. Thanks for making my night.

[Brissona]

really enjoying this!

[bolgy99]

i still dont get the hype for these guys, call me crazy :shrug:

Neither did I, but then I bit the bullet and listened to the whole album. Loved it.

[sambourke]

Little Lion Man won the JJJ Hottest 100 (the biggest annual music countdown... that I know of) by a record margin. The song is great, but I don't know how I'd go stomaching an entire album from start to finish. Second single The Cave is a slight miss for me.
it was a massive winner, plus they are selling out all their shows in may or june in aus this year and headlined laneway festival last year in Aus.
I actually prefer the cave to little lion man, little lion man is no doubt the most commercial, but i'd say at least five more songs have more depth and are more enjoyable after many lsitens

[samlowry09]

Great Review! Great Album!

[ImTheSheriff]

listened once and it didn't click, except for 'little lion man', i'll have to give it another listen.

[Deadbolt23]

White Blank Page and Dustbowl Dance are such great tracks.

[Gregory Robson]

White Blank Page and Dustbowl Dance are such great tracks.
White Blank Page is freaking ridiculous. One of the songs that spoke to me immediately.

[Meeze]

so so so good..."Little Lion Man" <3

[Cheesus]

this album is absolutely amazing

[Tec Mason]

This band is ridiculously good. I recommend everyone to youtube them; their live stuff is spot on.

Also, they covered Vampire Weekend's "Cousins". Its also on youtube.

Greg, thank you so much for this review. I never heard them before your review and now I can't get enough.

[ship of beers]

I was suprised at the quality of this album, very enjoyable

[natalieruthless]

this cd is amazing. it got me at the first song i heard, "little Lion Man". each song is sung with such great emotion. the instruments are fantastic as well. it is honestly one of the better albums that i have heard in a long time.

[Thomas Nassiff]

Only just bought this today....I heard "Little Lion Man" on television and just bought the album based on that. Not a word I throw around very often, but the record is just beautiful. I want to listen to it a lot more but it seems like it'll be there on my EOTY list.

[ImTheSheriff]

finally got around to giving this a full listen, not just little lion man. i absolutely love it.

[Jamos4184]

So glad you are a fan. And yeah, Pitchfork slammed it, as did a few others. I'm not quite sure why? Is it too dramatic for people? Are the soaring crescendos too much? It's pretty confusing to me. So nice to know they are big in the state capital. They have yet to make a dent on Long Island. And yeah, I do think they are in for a break out year.
I've had a number of friends recommend these guys to me, and am finally giving the album a shot.

Also, I think Pitchfork reviewers just like to try to outdo each other by seeing who can rip an album to shreds more.

[Hamlet]

I just heard "The Cave" for the first time today, first song I ever heard from them.

I'm amazed. This is really quite incredible.

It's folky, but poppy at the same time, and it isn't reserved in that wanky indie hipster way, but rather a little over the top in a dramatic, anthemic, yet still heartfelt fashion.

I just love this sound.

[Ryan Chadwick]

such a good album