On a seriously hot night in Cardiff, Mumford and Sons arrived at St.Davids Hall to remind us all why they were so popular.
This show sold out almost as soon as the tickets went on sale, so obviously their fan base is ever present in the capital.
I was a little unsure why this hugely successful band had opted for this smaller of Cardiff venues when they could have easily sold out the Motorpoint Arena just as quickly. However the bands love of smaller, more intimate venues became apparent as soon as they stepped on stage.
From the opening song “Lovers Eyes”, a track from their new album, you got the feeling you were part of the show. They interacted perfectly with the audience and as a result had everyones attention from first note, to last chord.
My personal favourite moment was when, a little way through the set, the house lights raised slightly, and the band walked to the very front of the stage to perform a completely unplugged version of “Timshel” with just a guitar and some well executed four part harmonies, and the sold out venue completely silenced to listen. There are very few bands in popular music touring today with either the musicianship or courage to pull off a moment like that, it made the hairs on my neck stand to attention.
As well as playing exceptional versions of the songs from their 2010 award winning album “Sigh No More”, they used this show to play some brand new material from their forthcoming album, due to be released in September.
Judging by the quality of the new songs, their second album is likely to be just as successful as the first. The songs are massive and really do feel like a excellent follow up to their previous work.
Another top moment, came in the encore when they played “The Cave” which made the whole place erupt, a song which most people had been waiting for and a suitable end to an amazing show.
I would highly recommend seeing Mumford & Sons live show, and I look forward to hearing the new album.
9/10
