Mumford & Sons

Rising acts Mumford & Sons and The Temper Trap put on one of the best free shows of the year Sunday night in the last of the Hard Rock Hotel’s Belve Nights concert series.

The intimate, second-floor ballroom was packed with exhausted Lolla fans recharging with free drinks courtesy of Belvedere Vodka, Vitamin Water, and Café Bustelo. I was almost as excited about Cafe con Leche in a can as I was about the two bands set to perform.
I spotted a few fellow Lolla band artists in the crowd, including members of Minus The Bear and Spoon. I wondered when the last time was that they had to endure being elbow to elbow with throngs of sweaty, drunk concert-goers. (Now that’s rock and roll, baby!)

First up was the London quartet Mumford & Sons, who played a magnetic, four song set. Rapid-fire banjo playing and smooth crooning on “The Cave” had the room jumping joyfully despite long days in the Lolla sun. I paid the price for wanting a spot close to the stage, as I was pushed around like a pinball by excitable fans. This included my camera being knocked out of my hand mid-recording and a delicious Belvedere cocktail being poured all over my open-toe shoes. While that briefly sucked my will to party, I’d do it all over again to witness the on stage charisma of M&S. When hit song “Little Lion Man” was played, the band had everyone belting the chorus with a passion and conviction that truly mirrored the energy of the band itself. We were all one with the band and it felt monumental.

The Temper Trap followed with a comparably powerful performance. The Australian band stood on stage in the thick of a neon lit fog and delivered an experience. Best known for their track “Sweet Disposition” featured on the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack, they also rocked out to “Fader” with equally engaging hooks and an atmospheric sound. Standing in the front row, I could see the beads of sweat forming on lead singer Dougy Mandagi’s furrowed brow as he sang “Love Lost” with the heartfelt angst that song demands.

The Temper Trap & Mumford Sons Collab

The joy from both bands was contagious Sunday night. The entire stage was truly a happy spectacle that seized the room, reminding everyone that music can make you feel so alive.