Manchester’s Marouli Unveil Vibrant New Single ‘Something Serious’ and Announce Sophomore Album ‘Tall Tales from a Distant Uncle Volume 2’ for 2025 Release

Manchester-based 5 piece Marouli, dynamic new single ‘Something Serious’ and announce the anticipated sophomore album, Tall Tales from a Distant Uncle Volume 2. Led by acclaimed composer and musician Graham McCusker, known for his work as a session vocalist for the likes of Hans Zimmer, Boy George, and Clean Bandit, as well as his work writing original compositions for BBC, Netflix, HBO and Apple TV the new single highlights McCusker’s depth of talent.

The upcoming album Tall Tales from a Distant Uncle Volume 2 is a poignant and imaginative tribute to the storytelling tradition of Billy Connolly, featuring rich, lyrical narratives woven through expressive, genre-spanning arrangements. It marks a powerful creative chapter for McCusker, who wrote much of the album after overcoming cancer for the second time.

The new single ‘Something Serious’ showcases Marouli’s unique flair – fusing the introspective textures of Bon Iver, the inventive, playful flair of David Bowie, and the melodic storytelling of Paul Simon, all underpinned by McCusker’s classical training influenced by J.S. Bach. The result is a sound as rooted in Elbow-esque indie/alternative as it is off kilter funk and soul.

Growing through its swaying drums, intricate bass work and David Bowie ‘Let’s Dance’-esque choppy guitar, the track brings layers of brass and gospel backing vocals into its commanding, chantable chorus. The track eventually reached an unexpectedly explosive guitar solo towards its close, ultimately resulting in a track which balances a fun sense of creativity with considered arrangement and flawless musicianship.

Speaking about the single, songwriter and vocalist Graham McCusker explains:

“I wanted each song to be a ‘tall tale’, as Billy Connolly would say, so

a wee miniature moment of time and tale being told in each song.”

Formed in 2018, Marouli brings together a stellar lineup of musicians. Graham McCusker (vocals/keys) is joined by Alex Hill (keys), Josh Poole (saxophone), Adam Bidgood (trumpet), Alex Dineen (guitar), Jamie Brewster (bass), and Matt Brown (drums).

Born in Paisley, McCusker grew up in a musical household and honed his talents at the Junior Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the Royal Northern College of Music. His work extends beyond the stage, with original compositions featured in major TV and film productions such as His Dark Materials (BBC/HBO), The Essex Serpent (Apple TV), The Strays (Netflix), and Bodies (Netflix). He has also served as a session vocalist with legends like Hans Zimmer, Boy George, and Clean Bandit.

Marouli’s formation was sparked by a student friendship between McCusker and Hill, with the band growing to include three fellow music college friends. With McCusker’s deep catalogue of original songs, the group began crafting the album, giving new life and arrangement to tracks that had been years in the making.

‘Something Serious’ is due for release July 11th.