BACKGROUND West London-based Mumford & Sons are a folk/indie-rock band that favors atypical instrumentation, evokes a unique sound and appeals to a wide range of listeners. Emerging from what some media have labeled the "West London folk scene", Mumford and Sons feature four twenty-something multi-instrumentalists and close friends: Marcus Mumford, Ben Lovett, Winston Marshall and Ted Dwayne. The English quartet joined forces in December 2007, bonding over their mutual appreciation of folk, rock, country and bluegrass, and adopted the stage name Mumford & Sons to give the band a familial feel. Four years and several live performances later, Mumford & Sons have achieved widespread, multi-platinum success with their unique brand of music. Following their performance at the Grammy Awards in February 2011 (alongside Bob Dylan), the band found themselves at the top of the music charts, having sold millions of copies of their debut album, Sigh No More, worldwide. However, in the cynical and judgmental world we live in, it is impossible for any artist, regardless of their success, to remain without criticism. Personally, I'm a sucker for Sons songs, which are emotionally rich (musically and lyrically) and electrifying in their deliveries; they combine a variety of instruments (e.g. an electric banjo and a mandolin) with those most commonly heard in popular music, creating a totally new listening experience and a truly unique sound. Every word is sung with passion and every instrument sings its own song. However, others have not been so supportive; some critics even dismissed Mumford & Sons as “Coldplay with banjo.” Whatever the critics say, the Sons' star-studded success is a reality, and it certainly feels like... a means of paper... one of tools. While some critics may disagree, I find the Sons to be refreshingly unique, especially with their instrumentation. Lyrically, Mumford & Sons wear their hearts on their sleeves and make songs full of substance. On a superficial level, Mumford & Sons' music is super fun, melodic and singable. However, Mumford & Sons' music comprises a repertoire of songs that are seemingly complex, multifaceted and open to interpretation. The abstract lyrics and complex melodies offer listeners the opportunity to read between the lines to reveal more personal meaning. Works Cited1. http://mumfordandsonsfans.wordpress.com/2. http://www.mumfordandsons.com3. http://www.undertheradarmag.com/interviews/mumford_and_sons_2008_interview/4. http://www.billboard.com/#/artist/mumford-sons/chart-history/1183741?f=377&g=Singles