For the first time in seven years, popular folk band Mumford and Sons has released a new album. The album, titled “Rushmere”, comes two years after the band first announced they would be back in the studio with the goal of a new release. It is also the first album from Mumford and Sons without their former band mate, Winston Marshall, who left the group in 2021.
Over the past few years they have worked alongside artists like Noah Kahan to create single hits like “Maybe,” which debuted in October of 2023.
Despite this, the band members were more than eager to have a complete set ready for audiences, stating in a post on instagram that they have been “restless to get going, relieved, and excited to share this first one with [listeners].”
The title of the album comes from the very place the band was created; it was named after the pond in south London where Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane first decided to start playing music together. The release consists of 10 songs, each with its own distinct sound.
1. “Malibu”
The first track on this album revolves around the re-lite faith of lead singer Marcus Mumford. The song talks about finding your way back to whatever spiritual path you may be on in life and having the privilege of believing in something bigger than yourself. The beginning of the song displays strong rhythm and guitar riffs that really move the listener.
2. “Caroline”
This song features a little more drum than the other tracks on the album, giving it a little more of an uplifting vibe. The lyrics, however, are much more melancholic than they might appear when first listening. The track talks about longing for someone whose moved on with their life, and has a resemblance to that of more country singers the band has worked with in the recent past.
3. “Rushmere”
The listener is really taken back to the roots of Mumford and Sons when listening to this track. Its lyrics reflect their coming together many years ago, and uses their original folk rock sound to provide a sense of nostalgia for those who have been following the band since the beginning.
4. “Monochrome”
Monochrome is a much slower song, including lots of soft piano and guitar. The song is representative of Marcus Mumford’s journey of finding his way back to himself, rediscovering Christ in the world around him and trying to share his journey and spread his love of life with his listeners.
5. “Truth”
This track is a stark contrast to the previous one, with a heavier, more intense feel. It has more elements of rock-structured music and takes an anger-fueled look at hypocrisy and the importance of standing up for oneself.
6. “Where It Belongs”
“Where it Belongs” is a slightly slower song about being overcome with anger and learning how to deal with it. Mumford is speaking to his former self when he was in a darker place and felt lost. He advises listeners that the only way to get through strong emotions is to express them and then “Let [them] go to hell.”
7. “Anchor”
With a very similar sound to “Where it belongs,” the 7th track on the album shares how relationships can be confusing and difficult, especially when one is young. Mumford expresses his regrets and love for his experiences dating as a teenager and does a great job of connecting to his audience.
8. “Surrender”
“Surrender” is an uplifting song about how it feels to be at your lowest point and near giving up, but being able to bring yourself out of it. With elements of classic folk, the song has a positive, suspenseful and hopeful feel as it builds up for the entire three minute and ten second song duration.
9. “Blood On The Page” (feat. Madison Cunningham)
Next is the only feature song on the album. With a very distinct sound, combining the styles of singer Madison Cunningham and the band’s original folk sound, this track has become an early fan favorite. The immaculate balance of the artists really shines through and adds a level of complexity to the album, with multiple lines possessing dual meanings.
10. “Carry On”
Finally, the last track of the album. This song is a sort of combination of the moods created in “Surrender” and “Monochrome,” with an uplifting but calm flow. It emphasizes the ideal of “practice what you preach” and condemns hypocrisy, sharing that someone cannot preach kindness if you don’t act with it yourself.
Overall, the album follows the highs and lows of Marcus Mumford’s emotional journey throughout his music career in the past seven years, as well as his re-discovery of faith through his family, friends and music. The band did a marvelous job of combining various sounds to create a unique set list that fans will remember for years to come.
