Tender, introspective album from British band. With over 100 people involved in the recording sessions of their new album Delta, Mumford & Sons aren't shying away from probing sonic boundaries. Delta features radio-ready tunes that still challenge the expectations of their sound, drifting away from the beardy and folksy shuffle that characterized their anthemic earlier albums. The album sounds like a cross between Imagine Dragons and Twenty One Pilots, combining electronic, glossy keys, echo-soaked percussion and rubbery beats with their folksy roots (with the well known tinkling piano, quietly strummed guitar, and brushed drums). The album also evokes the anthemic side of Coldplay's 2005 album X&Y, which may be because the producer on Delta is Paul Epworth, whose credits include Coldplay, Adele and Rihanna, among others. Songs to check out include the title track "Delta," "Wild Heart," "Rose of Sharon," "Guiding Light," and "The Wilds." 14 Tracks in all, Limited Edition pressing on sand colored vinyl. Digital download included. Released by Glassnote.

• Limited Edition
• sand colored vinyl
• printed inner sleeve
• digital download card included
• music label: Glassnote 2018

reviewed by Ralphy Corduroy 1/2019