Mumford & Sons reveal "Ditmas" clip starring Ukrainian Cossacks

"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.

July

31-1 August – Aviemore, Scotland, UK (w/ Ben Howard, Primal Scream, The Maccabees and more)

August

28 – Reading Festival, UK
29 – Leeds Festival, UK