Mumford and Sons w/ Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros - Adelaide, 15th October 2012
Words: Jo Taylor
What a double billing! The enigmatic Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros and the highly acclaimed Mumford & Sons playing the sold-out Entertainment Centre as part of an 11 day national tour supported by folk-blues singer/songwriter Willy Mason.
When the 10-piece Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros invaded the stage the room was suddenly alive! Opening track 40 Day Dream from the successful 2009 release Up From Below started the evening with a bang. Lead singer Alex Ebert has an eccentric and magnetic stage presence “You wanna talk?” he invited the audience before throwing the microphone into the crowd. “Oh my god!” exclaimed the lucky recipient before dropping the microphone with a thud. Laughter erupted and this set the mood for the evening. Once the microphone was reclaimed by Ebert, he jumped into the crowd. “Can we dance?” he asked as the band broke into Man on Fire from their latest album Here.
“It’s an honor to be here” gleamed Ebert before they met a request for the gorgeously uplifting tune Janglin. It’s hard not to be caught up in the celebration and dance. Ebert’s amusing banter with the audience won over everyone and soon, those that knew nothing of the band were caught up in the atmosphere. Female vocalist Jade Castrinos danced all over the stage for Up From Below and That’s Whats Up.
“I’ve seen you before! I remember you” Ebert greeted an audience member “I like what you’ve done with your hair and all this scruff” Ebert mused, pointing to his chest before breaking into laughter “Nah man, I’m just kidding. I’ve never seen you before in my life”.
For their sweet tune Child they were joined on-stage by Mumford & Sons lead singer Marcus Mumford on guitar while Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros guitarist Christian Letts took over vocals.
Their set ending, infectious single Home got everyone singing, and watching how much fun everyone was having on-stage, including a helping hand from the brass section supporting Mumford & Sons, topped it off. Hopefully these guys return to Australia soon, because they certainly won a swag of new fans.
When the 10-piece Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros invaded the stage the room was suddenly alive! Opening track 40 Day Dream from the successful 2009 release Up From Below started the evening with a bang. Lead singer Alex Ebert has an eccentric and magnetic stage presence “You wanna talk?” he invited the audience before throwing the microphone into the crowd. “Oh my god!” exclaimed the lucky recipient before dropping the microphone with a thud. Laughter erupted and this set the mood for the evening. Once the microphone was reclaimed by Ebert, he jumped into the crowd. “Can we dance?” he asked as the band broke into Man on Fire from their latest album Here.
“It’s an honor to be here” gleamed Ebert before they met a request for the gorgeously uplifting tune Janglin. It’s hard not to be caught up in the celebration and dance. Ebert’s amusing banter with the audience won over everyone and soon, those that knew nothing of the band were caught up in the atmosphere. Female vocalist Jade Castrinos danced all over the stage for Up From Below and That’s Whats Up.
“I’ve seen you before! I remember you” Ebert greeted an audience member “I like what you’ve done with your hair and all this scruff” Ebert mused, pointing to his chest before breaking into laughter “Nah man, I’m just kidding. I’ve never seen you before in my life”.
For their sweet tune Child they were joined on-stage by Mumford & Sons lead singer Marcus Mumford on guitar while Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros guitarist Christian Letts took over vocals.
Their set ending, infectious single Home got everyone singing, and watching how much fun everyone was having on-stage, including a helping hand from the brass section supporting Mumford & Sons, topped it off. Hopefully these guys return to Australia soon, because they certainly won a swag of new fans.
Then came the main act. When the lights went down, the crowd was deafening. Lights remain low and Mumford & Sons took the stage. Gentle Lovers Eyes from their new album Babel began the night, and slowly built momentum.
“How you doing tonight Adelaide?” lead singer/guitarist Marcus Mumford gently greets the crowd. “We’re going to dance together” he stated, leading into Roll Away Your Stone and Winter Winds from 2009’s Sigh No More.
“We just released our second album” Mumford reminded the crowd before launching into Holland Road from it. I Will Wait, the lush Below My Feet and Lover of the Light were also showcased from the latest album.
It’s immediately evident why there is such a buzz about these guys. They are humble and just let the music speak for itself. The music is lush, clear and crisp and Mumford’s vocals are stunning; without accompanying music, it can carry itself as was demonstrated during White Blank Page.
When they all made their way to the front of the stage for an experiment, the crowd didn’t know what to expect “We’re trying a song without the technology”. And with that, they sang, with amazing harmonies, the haunting Timshel, with just an unplugged guitar and a microphone to carry the song. The silence of the audience was humbling (Apart from one idiot who briefly ruined it and quickly reprimanded by the crowd). It was a stunning moment of the concert and one that won’t be forgotten.
“How you doing tonight Adelaide?” lead singer/guitarist Marcus Mumford gently greets the crowd. “We’re going to dance together” he stated, leading into Roll Away Your Stone and Winter Winds from 2009’s Sigh No More.
“We just released our second album” Mumford reminded the crowd before launching into Holland Road from it. I Will Wait, the lush Below My Feet and Lover of the Light were also showcased from the latest album.
It’s immediately evident why there is such a buzz about these guys. They are humble and just let the music speak for itself. The music is lush, clear and crisp and Mumford’s vocals are stunning; without accompanying music, it can carry itself as was demonstrated during White Blank Page.
When they all made their way to the front of the stage for an experiment, the crowd didn’t know what to expect “We’re trying a song without the technology”. And with that, they sang, with amazing harmonies, the haunting Timshel, with just an unplugged guitar and a microphone to carry the song. The silence of the audience was humbling (Apart from one idiot who briefly ruined it and quickly reprimanded by the crowd). It was a stunning moment of the concert and one that won’t be forgotten.
Willy Mason and members of Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros joined the band for the epic single Little Lion Man, which saw the Entertainment Centre lit up with gorgeous strings of lights, which gave the whole venue a magical atmosphere. The band’s energy was electric and was met by the crowd enthusiastically singing along.
Banjo extraordinaire Country Winston Marshall’s observation of “You’re so quiet in-between songs” was met with loud screams. “You don’t have to yell. Just talk amongst yourselves. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just disconcerting”.
Thistle & Weeds and the heartbreaking Ghosts That We Knew were lovely quiet moments followed by a cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s The Boxer, which again saw the crowd sing along. It’s a very fitting song for Mumford & Sons and they do the song every justice.
Ending the set with Awake my Soul, Whispers in the Dark and the powerful Dust Bowl Dance saw Mumford rock the drums! As they exited the stage, the lights remained off and the crowd made it loud and clear that they weren’t ready for the night to end.
Finally the lights came on again “You’ve been really kind to us Adelaide, thank you so much. It’s nice to be in such an intimate and lovely venue, so we’re going to do another quiet song”. And with that, they played the sentimental Where Are You Now?
“Give it up for Willy Mason and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, they’ve been fantastic. And thank you Adelaide!” brought the night to the inevitable conclusion with the band playing crowd favourite The Cave, featuring some amazing work on the banjo.
Not a bad way to spend a Monday night in Adelaide! They certainly brought the night alive and judging by the smiles on people’s faces as they drifted into the night, made the weekend come down much easier.
Banjo extraordinaire Country Winston Marshall’s observation of “You’re so quiet in-between songs” was met with loud screams. “You don’t have to yell. Just talk amongst yourselves. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just disconcerting”.
Thistle & Weeds and the heartbreaking Ghosts That We Knew were lovely quiet moments followed by a cover of Simon & Garfunkel’s The Boxer, which again saw the crowd sing along. It’s a very fitting song for Mumford & Sons and they do the song every justice.
Ending the set with Awake my Soul, Whispers in the Dark and the powerful Dust Bowl Dance saw Mumford rock the drums! As they exited the stage, the lights remained off and the crowd made it loud and clear that they weren’t ready for the night to end.
Finally the lights came on again “You’ve been really kind to us Adelaide, thank you so much. It’s nice to be in such an intimate and lovely venue, so we’re going to do another quiet song”. And with that, they played the sentimental Where Are You Now?
“Give it up for Willy Mason and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, they’ve been fantastic. And thank you Adelaide!” brought the night to the inevitable conclusion with the band playing crowd favourite The Cave, featuring some amazing work on the banjo.
Not a bad way to spend a Monday night in Adelaide! They certainly brought the night alive and judging by the smiles on people’s faces as they drifted into the night, made the weekend come down much easier.