Best described as English folk. First sign they are awesome, right? (You know my love of all things UK music). Members – Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall and Ted Dwane. All members play multiple instruments including guitar, mandolin, drums and banjo. What’s really cool is the band’s literacy influences including the likes of Shakespeare and Steinbeck. I love the almost feel of east coast music.
Too big. I would have much preferred a smaller venue. Sadly those days are over as M & S popularity continues to grow. I was sitting at the other side of the arena from the stage. I could barely make out the faces. Thankfully there was a screen above the stage. The acoustics were great though.
- Babel
- Whispers in the Dark
- Little Lion Man
- I Gave you All
- Timshel
- Below my Feet
- I Will Wait
- Lover of the Night
- Thistle & Weeds
- Ghosts That We Know
- Hopeless Wanderer
- Awake my Soul
- Dust Bowl Dance
- I’m on Fire
- Sister
- The Cave
I missed the first opening act Mystery Jets & heard a partial set from Michael Kiwanuka which I quite enjoyed. M & S finally took to the stage around 9 a.m. By now I had drank two bevvies and was in the mood to tap my feet and clap my hands. (Yes, I know that sounds corny!)
Brilliant. Brilliant. Brilliant. From the opening number to the encore, I was thrilled. I would have liked to have been closer but the sound in the arena was so good that it did not matter. They sound even better live than on the CD. I was thankful to hear songs from both Sigh no More and Babel. Brought to tears to hear my favourites Timshel and I Gave You All.
Loved the swapping of instruments throughout the set. Such talent. And you could tell they LOVED performing. The way they lose themselves in the music was infectious. Entertaining and energetic. Super impressed by Marcus Mumford and Ben Lovett.
I noticed a smaller stage near where I was sitting but it didn’t sink in until the band was already standing on it & telling the audience to shut up and stop clapping. I’m on Fire by Bruce Springsteen was an amazing moment. Everyone sang along to the chorus. So cool.
Great night overall. The band played for roughly an hour and a half. From what I could hear, Marcus Mumford was quite amusing. (It really was that loud when he spoke). I didn’t mind the cursing at all. He told the audience at one time to shut up or they would stop playing before I’m on Fire. (Because that’s going to happen. It didn’t for long.)
If you’re not already a fan, you should be. Go on now. Get to it.