Mumford and sons’ “Prizefighter” comes less than a year since their last release and features the band doubling down on the introspective, laid back sound of that album. The “stomp clap” effect they are known for is still there but most of the songs rely on more personal experiences and sparse arrangements.
The National’s Aaron Dessner produces the album and acts as co-writer on some of the songs. There are many heartfelt collaborations with other artists like Chris Stapleton, Justin Vernon, Gracie Adams, Gigi Perez and Hozier.
Mumford and Sons last album was their first in seven years and the quick turnaround for this album likely was because of the band getting over the jitters after the long lay off and feeling more comfortable in the studio. Some of the songs are devastating and pull at the heartstrings like they've never done before.
“Prizefighter” pushes at the boundaries of the band’s past material, they’ve mellowed and show the maturity that can inspire a longer musical life. Marcus Mumford, the leader of the band that started out as a quartet calls it the "crystallization of what we're trying to do as a three piece."