Atwood Magazine's contributors delve into Mumford & Sons’ touching homecoming album ‘RUSHMERE,’ a deeply moving fifth record that reunites the band with their folk rock roots through rich acoustic elements, uplifting harmonies, and poignant lyrics that reflect themes of love, memory, connection, and togetherness.
Featuring insights from Atwood writers Aileen Goos, Lauren Turner, Mitch Mosk, and Noa Jamir!
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To begin, what is your connection to Mumford & Sons’ music?
Mitch Mosk: Where do I even start? I was sixteen, approaching seventeen when "Sigh No More" was released in 2009, and I would consider it one of my personal “coming-of-age” albums. I practiced my rhythm guitar skills by playing “White Blank Page” with a friend in his living room, harmonizing thirds to his lead vocals, pouring all my teenage angst into those chords. I learned the fretboard by repeatedly playing the intro to “The Cave” until I could match every note with the studio recording. Somewhere in an old box lies a voice recorder with scratchy demos of songs like “I Gave You All,” “Sigh No More,” and “Winter Winds” – all because Mumford & Sons were, and still are, one of my favorite bands.
Songs from "Babel" and "Wilder Mind" hold cherished spots in my heart – I can’t walk through Tompkins Square Park without humming them – but honestly, it’s that first Mumford album that resonates the most with me. The album embodies intense, unfiltered soul-searching, arriving at a time where I too was seeking purpose as a high school senior headed toward college and a new life. The band’s harmonies struck a chord with me – I’ve adored rich harmonic elements ever since! – matched with their folklore-inspired instrumentation; alongside bands like The Head and the Heart and Of Monsters and Men, Mumford & Sons introduced me to the captivating folk rock realm and its offerings.
Aileen Goos: I wouldn’t label myself a devoted fan, but I always check out their new releases or attend a local show.
Noa Jamir: Mumford & Sons entered my life during a religious retreat approximately 6 or 7 years ago. At my Catholic high school, we occasionally had these events titled “Kairos” where students and religious leaders would spend time in nature connecting with God over several days. The retreat primarily featured Christian music, and one song I notably recall is “There Will Be Time” by Mumford & Sons. It’s a well-known track that openly explores themes of faith and spirituality. The chorus states, “In the cold light, I live to love and adore you / it’s all that I am / it’s all that I have.” Each time this song played at the retreat, my peers would passionately shout the lyrics, holding onto each other as if swept away by the Spirit of God. That song created a sense of unity among everyone, regardless of gender. It was a profound experience, even for those of us who weren’t Catholic. Due to this memory tied to the song, I have always considered Mumford & Sons a wholesome, Christian-inspired band, assuming that was the type of music they produce.
Lauren Turner: I’ve been a fan of Mumford & Sons since "Sigh No More." That album remains one of my favorites. While tracks like “The Cave” and “Little Lion Man” are the popular hits, I fell in love with “White Blank Page.” I remember enjoying the pub-like vibe they brought to their music while also admiring the raw authenticity of their storytelling. Marcus Mumford’s unique voice is particularly captivating. I’ve been a devoted fan for quite some time and have attended a couple of their concerts.
What are your initial thoughts and feelings regarding RUSHMERE?
Aileen: RUSHMERE feels like classic Mumford & Sons to me: simple yet significant in every aspect.
Mitch: It’s entirely a homecoming – quintessential Mumford in every way! The heartfelt, vibrant folk rock sound is here, alongside deep, intimate reflections on human emotions, capturing the essence of feeling deeply despite the difficulty in processing those emotions as they arise. RUSHMERE feels like a band, more than fifteen years into their journey, looking back – it’s nostalgic and polished in a way that "Sigh No More" couldn’t be, as that was merely the beginning. While this album marks a new start, it also feels like a destination – as Marcus Mumford sings in the opening track, “Walking through the valley was what brought me here.”
Noa: I approached RUSHMERE with open ears, ready to receive an uplifting, spiritual message, and I must say that's exactly what this album provides. From the very start, the opening song “Malibu” transported me back to that high school retreat, standing closely
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Writers at Atwood Magazine explore Mumford & Sons’ deeply moving homecoming album ‘RUSHMERE,’ a touching fifth installment that marks the band's return to their folk rock origins with its soothing acoustic sounds, uplifting harmonies that inspire a sense of spiritual renewal, and poignant lyrics that reflect the strength of love, memory, connection, and community.