The Oswegonian

The Independent Student Newspaper of Oswego State

DATE

Apr. 23, 2024 

PRINT EDITION

| Read the Print Edition

Laker Review

Mumford and Sons stay true to themselves with ‘Babel’

The sound that Mumford and Sons has down to a science has placed them securely into the mainstream music scene over the last few years. On Mumford and Son’s new album, “Babel,” which was released September 24, the sound is preserved.

In their last album “Sigh No More”, the band made folk, bluegrass and gospel popular. The songs off of “Babel” are upbeat and often reference grace. The album has raw vocals and a bluegrass twang sound. “Babel” follows suit Mumford and Sons their first album and includes just as many unique melodies.

The songs are expanded upon in this album to create a more dynamic sound. The album flows well, especially between the quick paced tunes and slower ones. The title track “Babel” is dynamic, intriguing and energetic. The song has highs and lows, making it an interesting listen.

Other notable songs off the album are “Holland Road,” “Ghosts That We Knew,” “Hopeless Wanderer” and “Not With Haste” which ends the album.

“Holland Road” starts with lyrics that are very relatable. This song has a strong beat and a dynamic that builds to help reinforce what the song is saying; that one will fall down, but will get back up. Most of the songs from the album have a great meaning to them, such as lyrics from “Not With Haste” such as “I am what I am.” Most of the songs directly state the meanings the band wishes to convey.

There is a deluxe version of the album, which will satisfy the band’s large audience. The bonus tracks, “For Those Below” and “Where Are You Now,” have a different sound compared what people expect from Mumford and Sons. “For Those Below” involves to singers, along with a beautiful violin accompaniment. “Where Are You Now,” is a sweet song about the loss of a lover and the sadness that ensues. “You said no one would ever know the love that we had shared, as I took my leave to go, it was clear you didn’t care,” a sad, remembrance of an ended relationship. Overall, the album is a success and shows that the band is here to stay.

Songs like “Holland Road” and “Hopeless Wanderer” make “Babel” worth listening to.