On paper, Prizefighter has all the makings of a great return to form for Mumford and Sons. The band has once again teamed up with their 2015 Wilder Mind album producer of Aaron Dessner, and this current album features several A-list collaborations from Hozier, Chris Stapleton, Gigi Perez, and Gracie Abrams. Several of these songs have guest writer credits on them from some big names in the music industry like Finneas, Brandi Carlile, and Justin Vernon. Having already released a record last year, called Rushmere, Mumford and Sons appeared to be reaching a rejuvenated approach to their songwriting. The band preceded the release of Prizefighter with two great singles in “Rubber Band Man” and “The Banjo Song” to create a solid anticipation of their sixth studio album. Yet when you push play on Prizefighter, you can’t help but think some of these songs could’ve used a little more time to marinate before seeing the light of day.

The fifth studio album from Mumford & Sons, and the band’s first new album in nearly seven years, called Rushmere, gets its name from the pond located at Wimbledon Common in London, where the band first met and began the process of wanting to make music together. The band looked towards their beginnings to find a spark in their music, and create their first new taste of music since Delta. The overall sound of Rushmere recounts the humble beginnings of Mumford & Sons on 2009’s Sigh No More, with more experience under the band’s belt in crafting their desired artistic direction. The set was produced by veteran hit-maker Dave Cobb (Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell) and was recorded partly in Nashville, and also in the band’s home studio in Devon, England. Rushmere takes all of the stage and life experiences that the band members have had, and gets the ship pointed in the right direction. The next phase of Mumford & Sons career looks bright.