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The Maccabees and Mumford and Sons @ Southampton University, 13th May 2009.

I Arrived at Southampton University late as there was nowhere to park. I walked into a hall of noticeably looking students and on stage where the first support band of the evening performing their last song. These guys were called The Sharks, and I really don’t think that I missed much. I noticed they all had really weird haircuts.

The crowd at this sold out gig at Southampton University where obviously here to witness the influential Maccabees, however there seemed to be a great deal of support for second support act of the evening: Mumford and Sons, and I was part of that fan base. They are one of my favourite bands of the moment.

Marcus Mumford, Ted Dawyne, Ben Lovett and Country Winston, got the crowd more than interested with their folky, bluegrass sound. People loved it.

The harmonies created by Mumford and Sons completely blew me away. 'White Blank Page', and 'The Cave and the Open Sea' were my highlights of their set. The show of approval and energy coming from the crowd made it obvious that they have built up quite a dedicated fan base.

The sounds of the double bass, banjo, keyboard and the comforting, yet rough and unique, vocals of Mumford himself produce sounds of complete excellence. Mumford gives it his absolute all in every song and the passion in his vocals create something quite special.

Tonight was the last night of supporting The Maccabees and the band voiced their appreciation for having the opportunity to tour with them. They dedicated their last song for their ears, as Marcus took to the drum kit and also led the vocals.

Mumford and Sons have only been collaborating musical loveliness since 2007 , and have only produced two EPs and one Single so far, but they do have plans of releasing an Album later this year, and I for one cannot wait to get my hands on it. They have been tipped as an upcoming band of 2009 and I really suggest you go see them. They are absolutely amazing live and I promise they will blow you away, even if you not a fan of folk music!

The venue started to get impatient waiting for The Maccabees to take to the stage, however this was an excuse for the increasingly intoxicated crowd to purchase some more beer. When the headlining act took to the stage, The crowd rushed forward, plastic glasses started to get thrown and people instantly started jumping and pushing. I was so pleased I had not squashed my little self at the front of the venue or I may not of been here today to complete this review.

The Maccabees blew the Southampton crowd away with their opening song ‘No Kind Words’ off their new album ‘Wall Of Arms’ and the masses sang along enthusiastically which The band seemed to buzz off. The crowd knew their lyrics and they were not afraid to show this off!

From their opener and right through, The Maccabees displayed a rigorous work out of old songs and new . The band never let the pace drop as they sang favourites from Toothpaste Kisses and Accordion Song. They got the crowd riled up throughout the whole set and the mainly student based audience took part in numerous acts of crowd surfing…They didn’t last long though and from an outsider looking in, it was rather a feeble attempt, nether the less. I give the enthusiasm and attempted effort a near ten out of ten. Got to love the students.

With the numerous acts of crowd-surfing quickly dealt with by the not so enthusiastic security, attention was brought back to the Southampton stage. Lead singer Orlando looks like an unlikely front man of any band, but the crowd seemed to soak up his every word and even offered a degree of encouragement to his bouncing about on stage, Erm, I mean dancing.

Overall this London based band put on quite a performance and I am sure every reveller would agree. During an interview with The Maccabees a couple of days later, we were able to ask front man Orlando about his performance at Southampton. ‘It was hot’ where his words. 'You want to try being in the crowd’ where mine. Point well made I think.