Mumford & Sons: Prizefighter

Pitchfork

by Hannah Jocelyn

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Mumford & Sons’ latest album *Prizefighter* reflects their ongoing journey to reinvent themselves while staying true to their roots. Known for blending folk with rock and bluegrass, the band has evolved significantly since their debut *Sigh No More*, but critics have consistently overlooked their experimental efforts. This time around, they reunited with producer Aaron Dessner, who had a pivotal role in shaping their earlier work, to craft an album that balances nostalgia with fresh sounds. However, despite their attempts to innovate, *Prizefighter* feels uneven, with uninspired arrangements and a lack of standout tracks that resonate as strongly as their past hits. The album’s early tracks lean heavily on familiar tropes, failing to recapture the emotional depth that made them stars. Yet, moments like “Begin Again” showcase their ability to tackle deeper themes, offering a raw and personal reflection on faith and family. The band’s evolution is deeply tied to their history. Their 2015 album *Wilder Mind* was a bold pivot toward rock, featuring collaborations with James Ford and Aaron Dessner that laid the groundwork for future indie-folk acts like the Oh Hellos and the Crane Wives. This genre renaissance has brought renewed attention to their influence, as younger listeners embrace the same folk roots that once defined *Sigh No More*. Yet, Mumford & Sons’ own

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Originally published on Pitchfork on 2/20/2026