Mumford & Sons - Wilder Mind

Mumford & Sons
Wilder Mind
2015

Holding a band to a higher standard based solely on what they have done in the past is always a dangerous game. Repeating past successes is tricky, you are either not taking a risk by doing what works or failing because you tried something new. Wilder Mind is a combination of the two: First, it is a risk because it is taking the classic Acoustic Americana folk that Mumford & Sons have become famous for and throwing it aside for a plugged in sound. Second their new sound isn't all that risky, it follows much of the same just barely Indie Rock template that worked well for Kings of Leon and the like. Wilder Mind is filled with sing-a-long anthemic songs tailor-made for the biggest shows. They aren't taking instruments that are classically small and elevating them to higher levels, instead with this record they are taking big sounds and making that the basis of this record. Nothing here is understated, it's right on the surface, but for a band which has thrived in the subtlety it can be a bit off putting to hear this new sound.

Saying the whole album is bad is quite short sighted. There are fun exciting tracks on this record. "Ditmas" has great pacing and a fun blend of guitar and a nice warm synth, "Monster" feels soulful and powerful at the same time. The gut reaction to hate something because it "goes pop" or "sells out" in this day in age is just silly. There are weak spots, "Hot Gates" seems to really just go nowhere and the lyrics are quite basic, most of the songs don't make that "Oh My God" impact that Mumford & Sons are known for, but that being said none of these tracks are unlistenable, nothing jumps out as so overtly abrasive that I threw the album across the room. This album is a solid middle road, it will not change the mind of firm believers but it will bring in a new audience who felt Mumford & Sons were unapproachable. Give Wilder Minds a shot, you just might find yourself liking it.

6.7 our of 10