Mumford & Sons reveal "Ditmas" clip starring Ukrainian Cossacks

23 July 2015, 10:13 | Written by Laurence Day

(News)

(Mumford & Sons)

Mumford & Sons have shared their video for "Ditmas", the latest single from recent third LP Wilder Mind.

"Ditmas" is the band's third single from the record, and it follows "Believe" and "The Wolf".

Director Alex Southam (alt-J, John Grant) said of the video:

“Whilst recently filming in Ukraine, I started doing some research and learning about Ukrainian Cossacks – their heritage, history, and associated spiritualism. I was surprised to learn that there is a small but ardent population who keep the traditions going.

“The narrative for Ditmas came about whilst discussing another idea for the band, when the suggestion of a cossacks were mooted. Cossacks are synonymous with incredible horesemanship, so it felt like a natural fit. Our character (Evgeniy) in the video has grown up within a cossack community.

"The video was shot in the stunning countryside surrounding Kiev which was something to behold. I spent a long time discussing our narrative and approach with Evgeniy, breaking down our narrative beat, as well as I could given the language barrier. Whilst the shoot was pretty brutal and unforgiving - particularly for our hero - we captured something really special.”

Wilder Mind is out now on Island.

Check out the clip for "Ditmas" below. The band's upcoming UK dates can be found afterwards.