Mumford & Sons, Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros and Willy Mason… this was the cast to every indie folk lover’s favourite movie. And the scene was set from the start, with a small but dedicated following arriving hours ahead of schedule to see long-time member of the scene, Willy Mason. With growing anticipation, the crowd swelled for Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, a favourite on alternative radio and impressive live outfit. With naked – nay, barefoot – abandon and a whole bucket full of hippie vibes, frontman Alexander Ebert ran deep into the audience, turning Rod Laver Arena into a church revival for songs like Man On Fire, Janglin’ and the country-tinged duo Here. The casually eccentric Ebert even referenced Christianity before ironically singing, “I don’t wanna pray to my maker.” A surprise appearance by Marcus Mumford towards the end sent the crowd into a frenzy and the 12-piece band took the set out triumphantly with Home.
Under the soft glare of coloured vintage light bulbs, Mumford & Sons gently warmed the crowd up with Lover’s Eyes, followed soon after by new track I Walk Slow and breakout hit Little Lion Man. Somewhere between these tracks, Marcus managed to break a guitar string yet somehow avoided putting an energetic foot through his kick-drum. With a voice as clear as it is husky, he managed to connect with every single fan in that huge room like he was playing in their bedroom – and it was clear that’s where most of them wanted him to be. Even the men were proclaiming their love.
Below My Feet, labelled “Melbourne’s song,” preceded banjo favourite I Will Wait and Thistle And Weeds, played under a blanket of glittering lights and dramatic red lighting. Christian from Edward Sharpe re-appeared to do his bit for special guests before the band launched into crowd favourite Whispers In the Dark. Back on the drums, Marcus led his crew to an unexpected but high impact set closer, Dust Bowl Dance.
There was little movement when they played their “last song”. Captivated from the start, the crowd begged for more and it arrived in the most perfect of opening songs and that of their new album, Babel. But what folk concert is complete with a little Fleetwood Mac sing-a-long with everyone back up on stage? Entirely predictable in the best possible way. Job well done, lads.
BY JEN WILSON
LOVED: His voice, the band, the songs – everything!
HATED: Confusing one (fantastic) intro with another (awesome) intro… damn folk music.
DRANK: Beer.
