Here's a group that will irritate some lifelong Philadelphians. As you might know, the Mummers and the annual New Year's Day Mummers Parade is a strong tradition. It's where generations of marchers and musicians dress in fantastic costumes and strut down Broad Street playing a particular type of festive music, usually banjos and bass drums. The history of the parade and the organization dates back decades and its an important part of the fabric of Philly.
In indie music, today marks the debut album from a Brighton, UK band calling themselves The Mummers. Don't worry, Philly. You have the real mummers. The collective is fronted by singer-songwriter Raissa Khan-Panni, who's voice you will not forget. She's already established herself as a solo artist, who released three albums for Polydor. Then when she failed to make a hit, she had to go back to getting a real job as a waitress. Luckily, she continued writing and eventually hooked up with composer Mark Horwood and old guitarist Paul Sandrone to form the band.
The music is part classic, orchestra pop, part vaudeville. The obvious comparison is that feeling you heard when you listen to Bjork's "Oh So Quiet" or Rufus Wainwright's "Oh, What a World". I think the band fully expands on that sound to make it epic, cinematic and with a carnival or circus like appeal. It's different from what you're listening to right now, even more reason to check her out.
The debut album, Tale to Tell, is wide-eyed and exuberant. It's also a strong candidate for Mercury Prize consideration. This is good-stuff people, you won't be disappointed. Here's the track-listing...
- March of the Dawn
- Wake Me Up
- Lorca and the Orange Tree
- This is Heaven (Glow)
- Tale to Tell
- Place for Us
- See Alice
It's available in the U.S. via download from your favorite digital store.
The band made their TV debut last week on Jools Holland. Here's a clip of "March of the Dawn." Loving the big tails.