Mumford & Sons, Live at The Academy

Amid squeals of both the male and female variety, three quarters of Mumford & Sons begin their set with a striking acoustic rendition of ‘Sigh No More.’ As a band, their name is a tad misleading. Singer Marcus Mumford is by no means the star of the show and he knows it (he doesn’t even have the best name in the band – for that see banjo man Country Winston).
For a musical outfit based around a banjo, these boys have genuine rock souls. Ben Lovett headbangs while he pounds the keys and, in so far as it’s possible, dances about with his accordian. Monster hit ‘Little Lion Man’ is particularly primal, the choral vocal harmonies dipping and soaring with utmost precision. It’s a far superior to the recorded version that has been getting a lot of airplay.
For the remainder of the set, instruments and members are swapped frequently whilst the line-up is augmented by cello, double bass and two gutsy horn-blowers in the balcony.
New songs traffick in familiar territory, with their blistering choruses and soulful harmonies rollercoastering along at a titillating, if a little predictable, pace. Encore ‘Lover of the Light’ is particularly confident.
Some might feel it’s all a bit samey. But there’s no doubting that the fans – including several Irish rugby internationals – lap the whole thing up.