Ah, Mumford & Sons, the perfect mix of chilling alternative and soul rock.
I had been anticipating watching them live at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion (yeah, that's a mouthful) for months. Needless to say, they did not disappoint. I'm not going to lie, though, I was worried going in. It's not that I don't love "Wilder Mind," because I do, I really do. But... "Sigh No More"? "Babel"? They have so much phenomenal music, and I was so hoping they'd play more than just their most recent songs.
Good news? They did.
Despite the "WOO" girls hanging out behind us, and the wafts of weed that were seemingly inescapable, from start to finish, I was up on my feet, giddy with excitement.
For those of you who haven't listened just yet, allow me to introduce you:
It seems that all my bridges have been burned
But you say, "That's exactly how this grace thing works"
Those might just be my favorite songs lyrics ever, period.
Marcus Mumford led with strong, passive aggressive comments and chilling vocals. Homeboy sings to my soul, I swear. When he started singing Bruce Springsteen's "I'm on Fire," I couldn't even watch because my senses were so overwhelmed.
Old classics like "I Will Wait" and the above "Roll Away Your Stone" made their appearance, thankfully, and with them came the long lost banjo that I missed so much on the new album. Don't mistake me, I'd choose "Wilder Mind" over almost any other album released in 2015, but I'll forever be a little salty at the lack of the old roots banjo.
I'll be the first to admit they've changed their sound. And yeah, I will admit I don't think of Mumford in a "party" aspect, despite their wish that we would forget it was Sunday and party like a Friday night for the hour and a half they were on stage. It was wonderful to rock out and belt songs I'd blared in my car in angst in previous years, but it was not intimate.
I give Mumford & Sons full credit, they are phenomenal live. Truly. They were emotional, engaging, and entertaining. I just hope they catch on to what the crowd was most excited about and #bringbackthebanjo!
