Review: Mumford and Sons at Vector Arena

Marcus Mumford lead singer of Mumford and Sons performing at Vector Arena in Auckland. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Three years ago, Mumford and Sons played to a near sellout crowd at Auckland's Vector Arena, delighting fans with a night of foot-stomping singalongs and anthemic folk.

Last night, the same band returned to the same venue. But this was a very different show.

Released in May, their third album Wilder Mind revealed a rock reinvention for the band, with many drawing comparisons to Coldplay and even U2.

It was that album which brought them back to New Zealand, ahead of much bigger Australian and American tours.

As Marcus Mumford declared early in the night, they were here for one night only and they intended to party.

Lead singer Marcus Mumford, of Mumford and Sons performs at Auckland's Vector Arena. Photo / Jason Oxenham

His last visit revealed Mumford to be a man of few words, barely speaking to the crowd. Last night, a different man greeted the fans - he was chatty, charming and a bit of a comedian, cracking jokes at both Australia and America's expense.

The show itself was a little haphazard. There were pauses between songs as the band worked out quite what they were doing. At one point, they explained, they were still figuring out the set list.

But it only added to the sense that this was something special; a unique experience for these fans alone.

And when the songs came, they were exquisite. From the thrashing opening of Snake Eyes to the soaring, haunting beauty of Only Love.

Ben Lovett, of Mumford and Sons performs at Auckland's Vector Arena. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Yes, there were still banjos and foot stomping singalongs, in the form of Little Lion Man and The Cave. But they were only part of the new Mumford and Sons experience.

After working the crowd to a frenzy with I Will Wait, the band made their way through the crowd to the sound desk, where they huddled around a single mic.

"This is going to be quiet," Mumford explained, as the group launched into an acoustic set, showcasing their trademark harmonies.

Ted Dwane, of Mumford and Sons performs at Auckland's Vector Arena. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Silence was required from the entire arena to hear the set, creating an intensity in stark contrast to the thigh-slapping singalong just moments before. Mumford's rich, whisky-soaked drawl captivated every member of the audience.

And then they broke, running back to the mainstage, thanking everyone for coming and working out how they were going to end things.

There's no doubt this is a new era for the band - one that is still a work in progress. And one that will take its fan base with it, just as soon as they learn the words.