The English folk band Mumford & Sons seemed to come out of nowhere last year, capturing people's attention and hearts with their sweeping debut, Sigh No More.
Blending the homespun sincerity of the Avett Brothers with the Celtic stomp of Flogging Molly, the London four-piece are an unlikely phenomenon. But, thanks to the cathartic, pint-waving choruses of songs like "The Cave," "Winter Winds" and "Little Lion Man," the band is now the object of adoration on both sides of the pond.
To see just how passionate Mumford & Sons' nascent following is, you need look no further than their upcoming gig at the Belly Up on June 6. The group's fans wasted no time snatching up tickets, selling out the show almost instantly.
Of course, it couldn't have hurt that the show's lineup boasts not just one but three great bands. Fresh off the release of their new LP, Common Faults, San Diego favorites the Silent Comedy will open the event, lathering up the crowd with their whiskey-soaked, rousing folk jams. The show is the band's second high-profile appearance in recent weeks -- they just played a sold-out show at the Birch North Park Theatre with Dirty Sweet, Apes of Wrath and Transfer.
Australia's the Middle East will round out the bill with their delicate, combustible ballads. The Townsville collective's self-released debut, The Recordings of the Middle East, was re-released by Aussie label Spunk Records last year to critical acclaim.
"This show sounds great," you're probably saying to yourself, "but it's sold out, so what's the use of getting me all worked up about it?" Well, don't fret, because your friendly neighborhood SoundDiego writers will be there to report back on all the awesomeness you missed. You're welcome, San Diego.
Chris Maroulakos is a writer and editor for the San Diego music blog Owl and Bear.
