Say goodbye to the acoustic guitar and banjo wielding neo-folk band that you once knew.  Say hello to certified alternative rock band, Mumford & Sons.  With their third studio album Wilder Mind, the London rockers move away from the 2010s folk movement to which they contributed much momentum, and into a very modern alternative sound.

The band seems to have a lot to live up to after their last album Babel became the fastest selling “rock” album of the decade.  After this amount of success, it may seem odd to desire such a rapid change of direction.  Moving into a completely different genre always implies taking risks; risks that if executed poorly, could cost them many fans.  However, with Wilder Mind, Mumford & Sons return to the scene very strong.  From beginning to end, the album holds surprises and wonders that would impress the most seasoned alternative fans.

The album opens with the fast-paced “Tompkins Square Park,” which begins with a distorted guitar riff, immediately signaling the shift into a heavier alternative sound.  The second track, “Believe,” which was the first single released from the album, slows things down a bit.  This ballad opens up softly, but becomes an anthem of sorts by the end of the track with Marcus nearly screaming the line, “Open up my eyes!  Tell me I’m Alive!” on top of screaming electric guitars.  “The Wolf,” which is the next single on the album resumes the speed and energy and sets the scene for the next few songs “Wilder Mind” and “Just Smoke.”  Bursting with energy that we have never seen before, Mumford & Sons employ many fast-paced rock drums, and soaring electric guitars throughout the album.

A softer, more familiar Mumford & Sons sound returns to us in the latter half of the album.  Songs like “Snake Eyes” and “Broad-Shouldered Beasts” show that the band still enjoys a laid-back acoustic song (given their new alternative treatment of course).

While they did undergo a drastic change, there are some old elements that still remain in this alternative debut.  One remaining element is Marcus Mumford’s trademark long pronunciation, which remains in the chorus of nearly every song on the album.  It stands out most notably on tracks “Only Love,” and “Cold Arms.”

Many of the verses sound similar in melody to those on their previous folk albums.  Another staple to the Mumford & Sons sound is the use of beautiful harmonies sung effortlessly, especially on “Only Love,” which sounds similar to the Sigh No More track “Awake My Soul.”

Mumford & Sons leave us wondering if they will continue down this path of electric guitar wielding alternative rock, or if they will return to their folk roots.  Either way, I’m not sure its possible for Mumford & Sons to go wrong.