Mumford & Sons go back to their roots with new album ‘Rushmere’

Mumford & Sons, known for hits like “Little Lion Man” and “I Will Wait,” established themselves as a prominent folk-rock band in the early 2010s. Following a deviation into a more pop-oriented sound with 2018’s Delta, their latest album, Rushmere, marks a return to their roots.

Despite its brevity with only 10 tracks clocking in at 34 minutes, Rushmere is a cohesive and introspective piece of work. The album delves into themes of loss and longing, taking listeners on a journey through the complexities of human emotions. While some tracks on Rushmere may lean towards self-indulgence, the standout songs strike a delicate balance between contemplativeness and grandeur.

The opening track, “Malibu,” harks back to the band’s earlier works like 2009’s Sigh No More, embracing a bluegrass-inspired sound that exudes a rustic charm. Marcus Mumford’s heartfelt lyrics, “You are all I want / You’re all I need / I’ll find peace beneath the shadow of your wings,” convey a sense of seeking solace in a relationship, setting the tone for the album.

As Rushmere progresses, it transitions into darker themes, with tracks like “Caroline” delving into the complexities of love and yearning. The titular track, “Rushmere,” showcases Mumford’s introspective musings, accompanied by the band’s signature banjo-driven melodies. Despite the anthemic sound, the lyrics paint a picture of nostalgia and longing for the past.

In contrast, “Truth,” the album’s fifth track, stands out as one of the heaviest and most sonically aggressive songs on Rushmere. With a thumping bassline and electric guitars, it offers a different tonal palette while still maintaining the album’s overarching themes of introspection and reflection.

While Mumford & Sons are known for their sweeping anthems, Rushmere also features stripped-down tracks like “Where It Belongs” and “Anchor,” allowing the focus to shift to the poignant lyrical content. However, the sparse instrumentation of these songs, when placed next to each other, may border on monotonous, detracting from their individual impact.

Tracks like “Surrender” strike a more balanced approach, starting off slowly before building towards a climactic crescendo. These songs showcase Mumford & Sons at their best, blending introspective lyrics with dynamic musical arrangements that culminate in emotional resonance.

Overall, while Rushmere may not reach the heights of their previous albums like Sigh No More or Babel, it stands as a solid addition to Mumford & Sons’ discography. In just 10 tracks, the band manages to create a cohesive and emotionally rich listening experience, weaving together themes of reflection, nostalgia, and longing. Despite some tracks veering towards repetitiveness, the album’s soaring moments breathe life into the overall narrative, making it a worthwhile listen for fans and newcomers alike.