This four-track EP is the first I’ve heard of Mumford & Sons, but it’s an impressive introduction. The band play folk-rock with a very American flavour, making prominent use of banjo and electric organ. But while this unconventional instrumentation could be enough to get them noticed, it’s their grasp of song-writing and performance that really warrants attention.

Each of the songs here is melodically strong. The tunes are simple, but have enough character to make them stand out. And although the band’s cohesive sound ensures that the EP holds together well, there are enough differences between the tracks to prevent that sound from going stale. The moody atmosphere of opener ‘Little Lion Man’ gives way to the much more celebratory ‘Feel The Tide’, followed by a study in low-end grittiness (’Hold On To What You Believe’) and a jolly harmony-fuelled waltz (’The Banjolin Song’).

The band rise to the challenge of these contrasting styles well, and the quality of their playing is perhaps their most unusual asset. Most contemporary records come complete with a polished performance, usually enhanced by the possibilities of post-production. In the case of Mumford & Sons, however, they go one further, and make the feel of the performance central to the music. Whether it’s the subtle shuffle of the drums on the first chorus of ‘Feel The Tide’, or the swelling dynamics that coarse through ‘Hold On To What You Believe’, the songs are full of little nuances that bring them to life. The recordings are warm and natural-sounding, and this makes the group’s organic approach easier to appreciate.

On the evidence of these four tracks, Mumford & Sons approach their chosen genre with refreshing amounts of skill and sensitivity. The music’s effectiveness naturally depends on the ear of the beholder - some will hear the vocals as the product of genuine emotion, while others will hear them as an attempt to sound emotional. But listeners who are receptive to this particular corner of music will be coming back for more.