Mumford & Sons
Wilder Mind
(Island/Glassnote)

After Mumford & Sons not-so-triumphant return on their third album, Wilder Mind, the British alternative rockers have thrown everything away. It completely steps back from their original folk rock vibe and takes the album back to the 70’s with a David Bowie and Bob Dylan meander.

“Tompkins Square Park” is a typical romantic ballad, “Oh babe, meet me in Tompkins Square Park/I wanna hold you in the dark, one last time.” Aside from the two singles, “Believe” and “The Wolf,” every other song seems brutally boring and painful to listen to. The one song that seems sneakier than the rest is “Snake Eyes;” it’s a great metaphor for the self-seduction title.

This melancholy, dreary, and totally dreadful album makes Mumford & Sons a basic band. Too bad. No more room for inspiration. I Will Wait for another decent album from Mumford & Sons. Wilder Mind is a perfect listen after a heart-wrenching breakup.