Mumford & Sons' second album, Babel, triumphantly expands on the foundation laid on its successful debut, Sigh No More. Written on the road during two years' worth of touring, its songs are like novellas with emotional development and dramatic arcs. Reuniting with Sigh No More producer Markus Dravs (Coldplay, Bjork), the band recorded Babel in 18 months at four separate English studios. It opens with the title track, a grand number with the Mumford & Sons hallmarks of strummed acoustic guitar and banjo and minimal kickdrum rhythm. Starting off quietly with piano and soft acoustic guitar, Holland Road builds on Marcus Mumford's ardent singing toward a lush, horn-filled serenade. Broken Crown presents itself as a quiet acoustic number, albeit one with defiant lyrics - before tambourine and glistening horns transform it into a fully charged protest declaration. - iTunes
