Review: MUMFORD & SONS, Latitude Festival

Mumford & Sons makes a triumphant return to Latitude Festival, having first played in 2010. After all these years, audiences proved that they would wait, they would wait for them. An evening full of fun and friends, Mumford & Sons proved that they indeed are worth the wait.

Taking the coveted Saturday headline spot, people are practically camped out at the Obelisk Arena for a good position. From well-versed veterans with inflatable couches to fervent first-timers sitting in the mud, the crowd is ready for a show. The four piece folk-rock band is just as prepared and does not disappoint.

Opening with "Snake Eyes" from their most recent album, the first half of the Mumfords' performance sets the energy level high. The crowd roars for fan favourite "Little Lion Man", and follows suit with every other song. With each member of the band multi-talented musicians, they dart about the stage between songs to play each others' instruments. Lead vocalist and the eponymous Mumford, Marcus Mumford seems to be in three places at once: one moment he is on lead vocals, the next he is on the drums, and then he's running through the audience. Not even the camera man can keep track of him!

As the evening draws on, the pace slows down a bit for both band and audience. The melodic and haunting "Ghosts That We Knew" and "Awake My Soul" stun thousands into silence. It's here the first special guest of the evening appears, Maggie Rogers, shortly followed by Baaba Maal and The Very Best. The latter appeared on the Mumford & Sons' 2016 EP "Johannesburg", recorded during their tour of South Africa.

Guests continue to stop by throughout the evening, somewhat expected given Mumford & Sons and Gentlemen of the Road Stopovers' takeover of Latitude. Mumfords helped select acts across Saturday's schedule and stages, from Rogers on the BBC Music Stage to Lucy Rose on the Obelisk itself. After a dramatic end with "Dust Bowl Dance", the finale features a favourite: "I Will Wait". The last song is a big, feel good homage, as Rose, Rogers, Leon Bridges and many more acts join them for a cover of The Beatles' "With a Little Help From My Friends".

This feels a rather appropriate song to end on, given just how much help Mumfords gets from their friends during the show. Maal and The Very Best get their own mini-set, playing three songs including the beautiful "There Will Be Time" sung in Pulaar. Going to see one set from Mumfords, the audience ends up leaving having heard even more. This isn't a complaint, more a comment. It's Mumford & Sons & Maal & Rose & what's-his-name-from-next-door, no-not-Mr-Rogers, Maggie-Rogers.

Seeing all of these bands unite for the final number is a particularly special moment for all. However, as unique as this feels at the time, I was surprised to discover it had been done before and at another festival for that matter: Glastonbury 2013. I would understand if it were part of a set lineup of songs. But to finish a big gig with the exact song four years later feels a bit cheeky. It's less "let's party" and more party trick.

Featuring the hits from their previous albums, perhaps Mumfords could avoid the hits from their previous festival appearances. Nonetheless, the audience leaves feeling like they've had a highly unique experience. Featuring countless special guests, Mumford & Sons makes you feel as if you are one too.

Mumford & Sons tours internationally until November 2017

Photo credit: Matt Eachus

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