Manchester based quintet Marouli return this autumn with their evocative second album Tall Tales From A Distant Uncle (Volume 2), set for release on October 24th. Following the success of their 2022 debut, the new record continues their signature blend of cinematic storytelling, rich musicality and emotional honesty, with three new singles arriving ahead of the full release.
Led by Irish-British musician Graham McCusker, renowned for his work as pianist and backing vocalist with Band Of Skulls, the Manchester based band have already built a reputation on their local scene. McCusker also boasts an impressive list of credits including television productions such as His Dark Materials (BBC/HBO), The Essex Serpent (Apple TV), The Strays (Netflix), and Bodies (Netflix) and session work with renowned artists including Hans Zimmer, Boy George, and Clean Bandit.
A distinct sound that pulls from vintage pop, jazz, folk, and classical traditions, Marouli has a unique and inventive musical approach which shines across the new record. Produced by Danny Allin, whose recent credits include the forthcoming Band of Skulls record and a collaboration with Oscar-winner Daniel Blumberg on a new musical featuring Amanda Seyfried. The album was recorded between Giant Wafer Studios in Wales, Hope Mill Studios in Manchester, and various London locations, and features additional performances by acclaimed session players including Oli Rockberger (John Mayer, Chaka Khan), Loz Garratt (Jamie Cullum, Seal) and vocalist Kate Lister (Foo Birds).
Much like their debut, the album pays homage to the storytelling tradition of Billy Connolly – with each track a “wee tale”, as McCusker puts it: “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.
I also wrote the album for personal reasons – I have now had cancer twice in my life, two different kinds. In the quieter, more difficult moments I have been writing music. Marouli is now that outlet of this music for me and I want to take it as far as it possibly can go.”
Marouli’s music has previously been supported by BBC Radio Scotland (Single of the Week), Amazing Radio, CamGlen Radio, and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal. John Kennedy (Radio X) has called it “extraordinary music”, while Janice Forsyth (BBC Scotland) described McCusker as “so talented”. Press support from the likes of Earmilk, Notion, Psychedelic Baby Magazine and Backseat Mafia have further solidified the band’s place on the Manchester scene.
The band’s core lineup features Graham McCusker (vocals/keys), Alex Hill (keys), Josh Poole (saxophone), Adam Bidgood (trumpet), Alex Dineen (guitar), Tom Chapman (bass), and Matt Brown (drums). The album will be launched live at Low Four Studios in Manchester at the end of October, Thursday 23rd, and further live plans to be announced.
Tall Tales From A Distant Uncle (Volume 2) is released October 24th.
Full Tracklisting – Tall Tales from a Distant Uncle (Volume 2):
- What Goes Up Must Come Down
- Something Serious – Single
- Moonwalking
- Don’t Wanna Dance – Single
- Interlude Follow
- Follow
- Bovine Friend
- You Sure Chose A Time
- Take Me To Another Place (Oh Dani)
- Interlude Moonwalking
- Spacegirls
- I’m Sorry
- Interlude I’m Sorry
For music submission, click here
