It was a gig six years in the making.
Mumford and Sons had by-passed Liverpool when touring with previous albums Sigh No More and Babel. But, after the release of their latest record Wilder Mind back in May, the band made a long overdue return to the city with a sell-out show at the Echo Arena. It was certainly worth the wait.
Kicking off proceedings with Snakes Eyes from Wilder Mind, Mumford and Sons played out a two-hour spectacular that included newer material interspersed with fan favourites.
From classics such as The Cave, Thistle and Weeds and Lover of the Light, to the newer, rawer sounding songs like Believe, Tompkins Square Park and Broad Shouldered Beasts, Mumford and Sons rocked the stage as a vociferous crowd made their joyous feelings known.
One of the undoubted highlights was lead singer Marcus Mumford running through the crowd as the band ploughed their way through Ditmas, which led to half of the audience pouring to the right of the stage floor in a bid to dance and sing with the front man.
The lightshow, as always, was remarkable and included dropping glowing orbs on wires from the ceiling at various points throughout the performance to add to the atmosphere. Sound wise, the band have never sounded better.
Vocals were crisp and clear, whilst the various instruments on show were played with an unerring ease.
That ease was outlined with the band members regularly cycling between said instruments – Winston Marshall, the band’s lead guitarist, showcasing an example of the talent on offer with his expertise on guitar, banjo and bass guitar in evidence.
There was a smattering of chit-chat and jokes on offer as Mumford teased the crowd over footballing loyalties, as well as drawing pantomime boos from attendees at the very mention of the USA and London.
It was all in good humour, however, and the respect between band and crowd was typified in between songs with applause and thanks in plentiful supply.
The band closed out the show with a five song strong encore – two of which saw Mumford and Marshall, alongside Ben Lovett and Ted Dwane, take to a smaller stage in the centre of the crowd to perform quieter numbers Timshel and Cold Arms.
Returning to the main stage, Hot Gates was followed by the classic Little Lion Man, before a crescendo of noise known as The Wolf brought the curtain on a 120-minute spectacle, and with that, it was all over.
It had taken six years, three albums and countless tours for Mumford and Sons to descend upon the city of Liverpool.
“We’re sorry it’s been so long since we were last here but, believe me, we won’t leave it as long next time around, Liverpool. We’ll see you soon,” Marcus Mumford said towards the end of last night’s gig.
If the band enjoyed last night’s performance half as much as the audience did, that promise will certainly be held up in the not-too-distant future.
Rating: 9/10