By HANNAH ELLIOT, Robinson High

This album definitely doesn’t classify as “new” in the literal sense, because it was released in April, but lately the Lumineers are a new face in the mainstream music scene. Sometimes it takes a few months, or a few plays on national ad campaigns for a band to become noticed in the mainstream world, and that is exactly how the Lumineers grasped on to their newly found relevance. The Lumineers are another prime example of the current infatuation with folk-rock-pop on the charts. They’re grabbing the No. 1 spots along with others gaining attention with folky tunes, like Mumford & Sons and Phillip Phillips. The Lumineers, a trio out of Denver, are well known for their hit Ho Hey, an upbeat, cheery romantic tune. The verses are far more interesting to listen to than the gimmicky “hos” and “heys,” but they are appropriate for the sunny song and aren’t overly used.

Submarines is another jolly, piano driven number. The piano is one main aspect separating this band from the Irish-y foot-stomping ways of Mumford & Sons. The old-school piano helps differentiate the songs.

Classy Girls begins soft and sweet and elevates into  yet another catchy nostalgic-of-last summer’s-fling song. The charm is irresistible and has you bobbing your head as it works up to the end.

Slow It Down quite literally does just that, in a good way, and is strategically placed right after the high-energy crowd pleaser, Ho Hey. Wesley Schultz’s vocals are in the limelight in Slow It Down and his imperfect voice, cracks and strains included, come off as nothing but charming and passionate.
The Lumineers are blending in with other popular folk bands, which is an unfortunate negative. After listening in-depth and comparing them with other bands, I realized the band I originally stereotyped them as was far from the truth. The Lumineers’ music has a large range, and more interesting, quality songs to offer than I would’ve thought before I took a closer look.

They aren’t simply a one-hit wonder band that got lucky from being played on a TV commercial; the commercial was just a nice suggestion so that everyone could discover the rest of the good music the band had to offer.