Released: 28th March 2025
Published by: Island Records
Since 2007, Mumford & Sons have made their mark on UK music with a distinctive sound and many collaborations. Seven years after a more experimental phase and four after the departure of Winston Marshall, the band returns with Rushmere. It’s a great return to form, harkening back to their folk roots.
2018’s Delta felt too ponderous and plodding, moving away from what made the band so successful. Rushmere was produced by a large team of additional musicians and a legion of sound engineers; the classical style is merged with modern production tools, a seamless combination for the album. The aesthetic also goes back to something more old-fashioned, a black and white look with the three band members lost in the crowd.
Right from the start, “Malibu” has a great build-up; it sets an introspective tone, a sense of change and moving forward. Much like Sigh No More before it, the lyrics are laced with a kind reverence, one that will satisfy any fan of the genre. Mumford and Sons have added a duet track for the first time with “Blood On The Page”, a collaboration with fellow singer Madison Cunningham that plays to their strengths. Rushmere isn’t as lively as Babel from 2012; instead it adopts deeper themes, a yearning for meaningful experiences.
Bringing back the banjo has already resonated with many listeners as the band debuted their newest single in December 2024. The title track is the best by far; it’s rousing and heartfelt while still boasting a toe-tapping rhythm. The album boasts great variety with “Truth” relying heavily on a strumming baseline and “Anchor” making use of simple guitar notes. Both tracks are more reflective, looking back on past mistakes with some echoing instrumentals in the background. “Carry On” closes out the track list with quiet confidence; the vocals from Marcus Mumford make a big impact here. A sense of hopefulness is on full display.
It’s been a long wait for new music from Mumford & Sons, but fans and newcomers can rest easy. Rushmere delivers another strong set that sits well in tune with their biggest hits. The emotive lyrics and introspective tone put the album in lofty company.
Rating: B
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