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It would appear that it is once again, time for us to expose all the good little Sound Faction boys and girls to the next Band of the Month; Lucky you! As it was once again my turn to pick; I take great pleasure and pride in itroducing Mumford and Sons as July's band.

i discovered Mumford while listening to my favourite radio station, driving down the highway with my dearest Mother. This particular station plays mostly rock and alternative music, and it seemed to me that my mother, who often prefers the lighter, happier sides of music, was not enjoying that day's playlist too much. After System of a Down, Gob, and Alexisonfire, she looked like she had just about had enough. Suddenly, the entire musical atmosphere of the vehicle changed. Was that a.... banjo?! And so, amid sound-fields of screaming guitars and pounding drums, sat "Little Lion Man". I was in a state of awe! The entire song was fantastic! Every word packed it's own special punch, and each segment of the song changed its direction; making the melody very interesting and exciting to listen to. Unfortuantly, at that time I had somehow managed to miss the name of the group who had created such a delightful piece; perhaps I was too busy enjoying it to catch it's title?

The next day, I woke early and scampered onto Google; where I searched the only lines from the song that I could recall: "Weep, little lion man; you're not as brave as you were at the start". Sure enough, several results came up for a song known as "Little Lion Man", by a group called Mumford and Sons. Researh told me that they had started in 2007, resided in the UK, and included a very large number of instruments in thier music; some unusual ones being the banjo, accordian, dobro, and mandolin. All four band members are vocalists, and although fairly clear over which instruments are to be played by each member, the band is known to trade thier instruments amongst themselves, according to convienience.

Mumford and Son's latest album, "Sigh No More" was released last October in the United Kingdom, and this past February in America; where it has been fairly successful as a folk/rock album and has found itself with a good review in a recent issue of The Rolling Stone. Sigh No More is very diverse within itself, when specification of genre is taken into account. Although it leans toward folk and bluegrass categories, one can find it none to difficult to pick up on hints of rock, and even strings assembly styles weaved intricatly throughout the overall sound. Although some songs stick out a little less than other do, all 12 tracks have a sense of consistency, each a pleasant listen in it's own special, even if subtle, way.

I really do hope that you look into this band; there is nothing like a little summertime folk for the emotional scale. Momford and Sons is a band that for their quality of sound, deserves your attention.

This is exactly what I needed! I've been away from home for a solid month, and this is precisely what I needed to hear, a little piece of Folky, Indie home. I had not heard of Mumford and Sons until Linzy announced the band, and I have to admit, that I'm giving it a super fast listen, because I'm already late in putting this up and I just got home from a road trip two days ago and have been going non-stop since. But what I'm hearing is amazing, and relaxing and calming and wonderful! I love this so much, so thank you, Linzy for providing the soundtrack I needed to just calm the hell down!

I highly suggest checking out their Myspace songs, in particular: "The Cave", "Little Lion Man", and "Hold on to What You Believe", although all of the songs are incredible! Now excuse me while I go snag their album "Sigh No More" from iTunes!

The height of summer is upon us, and with it comes a new band. July's band, Mumford and Sons, is an interesting collaboration of four friends from the UK. I use the word interesting not as a euphemism for weird, but for the actual Merriam-Webster's definition. As soon as I think I've successfully labeled their sound, folk with bluegrass influences, I hear a song that breaks that label, and I'm back at square one. All their myspace offerings have the bluegrass feel, but then one will erupt in a classic rock freak out (Dust Bowl Dance), another will have violins (Hold On to What You Believe), and then I'd be back at the beginning, blinking at the screen, attempting to figure out what to call this music.

While I cannot successfully put Mumford and Sons into a music genre box, I can claim this music to be made of pure awesome sauce. Mumford and Sons is unexpected in it's awesomeness, at least for me. I did not expect to love this music when I loaded their myspace page, and clicked on "The Cave." I was mentally preparing how to nicely explain that it wasn't my type of music, but I'm sure someone would like it as I heard the first cords. Then, I heard the lyrics, and I was transfixed. There is something in the mixture of Marcus Mumford's earnest vocals and the lyrics' wording that left me awestruck. My favorites from what I heard on myspace are "Little Lion Man," "Dust Bowl Dance," and "Hold On to What You Believe."

So, if the summer's heat has gotten to you, or you just are tired with your current music, please go and get their debut album Sigh No More. I guarantee that it will lift your spirits, and get you out of whatever funk summer has put you in. Promise.

Another month, another chance to show everyone how much I can not write.

Mumford an Sons is not a new band for me. Linzy introduced me to them back in April. The second I got the link I knew I would love them. Simply because Linzy and I have shared music before and we seem to have a very similar love for every kind of music. I think that, Like Doc said, it is hard to put Mumford and Sons into a genre, but I honestly believe that's why I love them so much. They have such a diverse sound. Also, the use of Banjo and Accordion totally wins over my heart.

The first song I heard was "Little Lion Man." This song...I just don't even know to explain my thoughts! But in a good way. The combination of the instruments, lyrics and Marcus' voice is just wonderful. I won't lie, the video for this song is also really good. Linzy has sent me some songs, and some I've listened to on my own. But "Little Lion Man," "Winter Winds," and "Thistle and Weeds," take the cake.

I definitely recommend giving Mumford and Sons a listen. Widen your music selections. Listen to a banjo!

I must say, when I went over to Mumford & Sons MySpace to check them out for this months BOTM, I... Had absolutely no idea what to expect. Even the graphics on their MySpace were sending off a couple of warning bells that this may not really be my thing.

And I have to be honest, where it's not my usual taste in music, I don't mind them at all. I believe I would have to be in a particular mood to enjoy the music completely, but I definitely don't hate it. I specifically enjoyed what I heard of Little Lion Man.

I wish I could give these guys an awesome review, because I can hear the care they take with their music, but it's just not my particular taste. I'm always one for being open-minded, so you should definitely still give them a listen, and see what you think for yourself!