Although Mumford & Sons pride themselves on being at the forefront of the folk revival, their newest album sent the message loud and clear that they do not want to stay put. Their new album, Wilder Mind, is simply a mainstream rock album, one that will certainly solidify their status as the stadium band that can sell modern rock anthems to the masses. However, this album is also a sharp reminder to core fans that Mumford & Sons is shedding its original roots for a more approachable vibe.
The first thing any listener will notice with Wilder Mind is the change in sound and style. Mumford & Sons decided to shed their most identifiable and original element, their banjo, for more of a “rock” sound. The rolling electric guitars, gigantic percussion, and songs about love and loss help the band achieve that level. Yet the banjo was one of the only unique elements that separated Mumford & Sons from any other current mainstream rock act. Without that twang of personality, Wilder Mind could have been released by Coldplay or Imagine Dragons and the mainstream audience would not have known the difference.
Mumford & Sons produced the album with James Ford (Arctic Monkeys producer) and The National’s Aaron Dessner, whose influences are noticeable throughout Wilder Mind. On the opening track “Tompkins Square Park,” Marcus Mumford’s slow, smooth vocals over melancholy electric guitars has elements of The National’s musical style. This trend continues on the song “Snake Eyes.” Switch over to the big single off the album “The Wolf” and you’ll hear an electric garage rock anthem reminiscent of Springsteen. But if you listen to hidden gems like “Cold Arms” and “Only Love,” you’ll be able to strip away all of the influences and generic elements and hear the earnest and heartfelt approach to songwriting made this band so big in the first place.
When Mumford & Sons previewed Wilder Minds in full at their secret show in April, I was expecting more of the same style. Many fans and critics are upset with this album because they think that the band “sold out.” However, “selling out” in the music industry is no longer a negative concept. It means that this band can make a living through the music that they created, and that is commendable.
What is disappointing is that the band’s style and songwriting has not evolved since 2012’s monster success Babel. Yes they ditched the banjo, but there is very little artistic evolution from their 2010 debut, Sigh No More. Instead, their songs are more indistinguishable from one another, morphing into one album that could have been written, produced, and performed by anyone. In music, there is a fine line between artistic evolution and sticking to your original sound. Mumford & Sons attempted both throughout Wilder Mind, but fell short by ditching the banjo and trying to become a full on rock band with the same modern folk songwriting style. Better luck next time.
– Marisa Frydman (@musicalmarisa)