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Mumford & Sons: Babel

Glassnote

Mumford & Sons were the breakout story of 2010. Success, however, is not without pitfalls, and the pressure to produce greatness on a sophomore album can be daunting. Babel is ingrained in the past but is far from traditional. Horns, distortion, drums and choirs work to dramatic effect and don’t allow production to muddy the acoustic appeal that put Mumford on the map. Roots music is always about the songs and Mumford & Sons excel not only with the lyrics, but also with the melodies and chord changes, the explosive release in “Below My Feet,” the rhythmic intensity of interlocking instruments on “Hopeless Wanderer” and the recurring hair-raising harmonies that suggest a brotherly bond—though there aren’t any blood relatives in the band. Babel was the
album that Mumford & Sons needed to make. It confirms the deafening buzz that has followed the group for the past two years, and several songs show early potential to be just as big as Sigh No More mega hits “The Cave” and “Little Lion Man.” The occurring evolution is gradual—more about increased confidence and tighter communication than a real change—and if there was any doubt, then Babel proves that these Brits have legs to run far into the future.