Mumford & Sons

Mumford and Sons are the hottest ticket in town. Their success has taken everyone by storm. Their album Sigh No More has topped charts. Their latest single The Cave is recieving a chunk of airplay that folk music hasn't dared to dream about in recent times.

Lead singer Mumford reveals his shock and delight at being told that the band had sold out the initial venue for tonight and would be upgraded to the Academy. And rightly so.

Taking to the stage with the title track from Sigh No More, the band's harmonies are sweeter than ever.

All four members sound like they have been singing together all of their lives. It's a refreshing, relaxed start to proceedings. But it doesn't take long for the tempo to lift.

"Do you want to have a hoedown?" the crowd are asked. The enthusiastic response leads to Winter Winds, another array of acoustics and harmonics, this time overwhelmingly powerful.

"We've been away so long, we really weren't expecting this reaction!" Marcus reveals soon after. "I think it's important to say thank you."

His sincerity is apparent to all. Here are a band who, for all their recent success, have not forgotten where they came from. His list of people he wishes to thank is longer than many Oscar speeches.

Manchester Academy poses a massive challenge for bands built around acoustic melodies. The capacity, along with the acoustics of the building, do not lend themselves to such occasions.

Yet Mumford and Sons show no signs of being dwarfed by the venue. "You guys make it feel smaller than it is," the crowd are told. In truth, the reaction of those watching is a product of a stellar performance.

This is one challenge that the band have overcome in their stride. There will be others in the future - particularly matching the success of their debut with a follow-up. But that can wait.

Tonight is a time for celebration.