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In the spirit of the entirely Mumford & Sons-filled weekend, I feel it is important to take a second to appreciate the talented folk musicians. For anyone who does not know, the Hollywood Bowl has a 17,900-person capacity, so, having sold out all 3 nights… well, that just tells us how much of an impact this band has on their American fans. A third show was added due to high demand; seems we could all go for a "Little Lion Man".

 

The foursome from London is inspired by favorites of folk, rock, country, and bluegrass. Their music has energized the American population, with their 2010 platinum selling record Sign No More and the more recent release of Babel on September 24, which sold over 600,000 copies in its first week of being released. Rumor has it that Mumford & Sons has become the first band since The Beatles to simultaneously hold six spots on Billboard’s Hot 100 singles chart.

 

Mumford and Sons released a new music video earlier this month for their single “Lover Of The Light”. The video is a story of a blind man, played by British actor Idris Elba, who seems to be grieving over the loss of his lover as he leaves his home on an adventure through the forest. There are inter-spliced images of a deer -- whether the deer is a representation of him or his lover is not entirely clear. He continues to run through the forest and his ability to feel freedom is apparent and he seems almost joyful until he comes to the edge of a cliff and stops. The man yells out to the ocean that beholds him, that through his own world of darkness he is a lover of the light.

 

 

 

It has been a while since a U.K. folk/rock band has spoken this strongly to the American population, with some common favorites being "Little Lion Man", "The Cave", and "I Will Wait". I must say my personal favorite is "Awake My Soul":

 

“Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all
But lend me your heart and I'll just let you fall
Lend me your eyes I can change what you see
But your soul you must keep, totally free”

 

This verse seems to just speak to me. Mumford & Sons will forever be a recognizable band for their distinctive folk sound and endless creativity spoken through their lyrics. I wish I could have gone to their final last tonight to be able to experience the sensational concert alongside the other fans with open arms, embracing the energy and forever remembering that moment!

 

 

- Lauren Dougherty, YH Staff