Mumford & Sons is a folk rock quartet from London though listening to their debut album Sigh No More you probably couldn't tell. Released in October of 2009 in the UK and February of this year in the US, Sigh No More features wonderfully crafted folk songs that seem to come right out of Appalachia. Employing instruments like mandolin, dobro, banjo, double bass, and violin, the album reminds listeners of straight-up, albeit higher-quality produced folk music straight from the American heartland. Sigh No More moves at an almost break-neck pace reminescient of punk music but in a way that demonstrates the virtuousity of the band while highlighting the songwriting prowess of band leader Marcus Mumford. Though the majority of the songs as fast paced, the average track length is about 4 minutes. The inclusion of balladic tracks like "The Cave", "Timshel", and "Awake My Soul" as well as adding organ, brass, strings, and keyboard provide a nice contrast and keep the album from appearing too predictable and repetitive.
Sigh No More is high energy, well-written folk rock containing a multitude of tracks that could be released as singles. A wonderful debut album released by an amazingly talent band that has a place in the collection of anyone who loves good music, folk fan or not. Enjoy the band's third single "The Cave":
I picked up this album a month or two ago and absolutely loved it. Folk rock/punk is some of my favorite music currently.
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