The roots of Southern and Appalachian folk music can be traced back to traditional influences in England, Scotland and Ireland. By the 19th century, this musical form added an instrument of West African origins, known today as the banjo. This style of old-time music is still played throughout the South in small town pubs, bbq joints, and on rickety back porches. And London.

This acoustic folk form has made it full circle, with a modern update, thanks to U.K. newcomers Mumford & Sons. The band’s debut album Sigh No More was recently released in the United States and is already one of our favorites of the year. The foursome may still be in their twenties, but their sound is timeless and of such a rich quality of textures, it seems like they’ve been at it for decades. Through four part harmonies, fast picking banjo, warm mandolin, strident acoustic guitars, waltzing piano, driving drums and a backbone double bass, beauty and brute are often found in the same song.

Mumford & Sons bring the force and energy of a rock band with the detail and dynamics of a seasoned folk quartet. Also, it couldn’t have hurt that they teamed up with a producer whose credentials include Bjork, Coldplay and Arcade Fire. Sigh No More is one of those rare collections where each track matches the quality of the next.

This entry was posted on Friday, April 16th, 2010 at 8:58 am and is filed under Music.