Mumford & Sons
Babel
Reviewed by Chris Panico
In 2009, English folk band Mumford & Sons released their debut album Sigh No More. The album earned them an international spotlight and singles such as ‘The Cave’ and ‘Little Lion Man’ became wildly successful. With the release of their sophomore record Babel, the band has shown what happens when an indie group adapts to fame but still holds onto their own sound. They maintain the iconic banjo accompaniment and sophisticated rhythm guitar elements that brought them to the top. With their success, Mumford & Sons has been able to take their raw, folk sound and polish it for this album. Throughout the record they have adopted a thick, well-mixed approach to background vocals, seemingly putting Marcus Mumford in front of an entire choir of folk singers. Babel also heavily highlights the bands’ finger-style guitar work, heavily reminiscent of classical music and folk legend Paul Simon (whose song ‘The Boxer’ is featured on the record). With Babel, Mumford & Sons have shown what can happen when an indie group is given the opportunity to refine themselves without giving up who they are.
