Marcus Mumford at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Shepherd’s Bush Empire is a familiar venue for singer-songwriter Marcus Mumford, and so it is the perfect setting for his two-night London residency. Yet, far from the banjo slinging fans are used to, the singer strips it all back to showcase his honest and raw solo album in the iconic venue. It is a foray into new territory for the Mumford and Sons frontman, but one navigated with a confidence only someone from one of the biggest bands in the world could achieve.

There is something very charming about Mumford’s demeanour, as he takes time out to indulge some eager hecklers and crack jokes between tunes. It is a stark contrast with the depth of his music – particularly in an anecdote about his need to defend a certain explicit word during his tour in America. Between the shouting and laughter, however, is an audience mesmerised by the talent in front of them. At times, it’s almost as if you’d hear a pin drop. Supported by a four-piece band and opening act Monica Martin, the show ebbs and flows through the singer’s emotionally charged record. Most of the performance sees Mumford either silhouetted or spotlighted, allowing every word to be truly heard.

As expected, there are a few nods to the band who put his name in lights. Lover’s Eyes and Awake My Soul open the show, while The Cave is a welcomed surprise mid-set.

Highlight How is the singer at his most vulnerable, detailing the childhood abuse his debut album centres around, while also referencing the earlier performed Cannibal. It is a poignant end to his main set and possibly the most moving moment of the evening.

A cover of Taylor Swift’s Cowboy Like Me begins the encore and goes down a treat – so much so that one perhaps wouldn’t know it wasn’t a Mumford original without the vague introduction. It’s followed by a couple of lesser known tracks from the The Basement Tapes, a British supergroup of which both Mumford and Elvis Costello are members. It is the “fucking around” section of the show, the singer gleefully declares.

Closing out his triumphant homecoming with one of the songs that started it all, Mumford chooses to “take advantage of the room” and truly show off his craft. Standing centre-stage, acoustic guitar in hand and without any amplification he belts out I Will Wait. A sporadic and hushed singalong quickly turns into a rousing choir, much to the performer’s delight. It is a joyful end to an emotional and cathartic journey. As the final note rings out, the balconies are on their feet with a much deserved standing ovation. Tonight, there is no denying that with or without his “Sons”, Marcus Mumford is a musician in a league of his own.

Katherine Parry
Photos: Nick Bennett

For further information and future events visit Marcus Mumford’s website here.

Watch the video for the single Cannibal here: