Anyone for a hoedown? Mumford and Sons, the swashbuckling south London four-piece, are here to put the fun back into folk. Formed in late 2007, when singer and guitarist Marcus Mumford was moonlighting as a drummer for fellow folkie Laura Marling, the group have quickly established a reputation as a great live act. This meant that the ICA was packed last night for their hour-long set.

They didn’t disappoint. Little Lion Man offset lovelorn lyrics with upbeat instrumentation, Winston Marshall’s trebly banjo the perfect foil for Mumford’s gravelly tones.

Elsewhere, Feel The Tide matched maritime motifs to swashbuckling beats. The crowd, perhaps the youngest ever recorded at a folk gig, danced with delight.

Like Crosby, Stills and Nash, the band performed in a line at the front of the stage, giving the show a democratic feel. Not only did all the members sing, but Marshall, not Mumford, led the between-song banter.

Mumford needed to save his voice for his full-blooded delivery, best showcased on Roll Away Your Stone. Part medieval ballad, part barnstorming folk-rock, it built to a triumphant climax, where he bellowed about his “newly impassioned soul” like a man possessed.

The band were joined by a small brass section for But My Heart Told My Head, which added a new timbre to a somewhat limited sound.

With so much interest, it’s surprising no debut album is imminent.