This may well be the strangest video I’ve ever seen in my life. If that’s enough to entice you, by all means continue on. Part dizzying gypsy sea shanty, part spaghetti western on hallucinogens, Seas of Mirth are a nine-piece rollicking juggernaut of marauders out to pillage your soul. They’ll do so with a captivating burst of strings, exuberant percussion and completely crazed vocals. If you’re a fan of the irrepressible Gogol Bordello (or a Frank Zappa aficionado), know that Seas of Mirth are noble compatriots. This video brings to light “the adventures of Glen Fingle, a forlorn old sailor who goes through hell and back locating his unrequited love.”

The news that they put on theatrical live shows will come as no surprise. This lead single “Esmerelda” comes from their recently released 3-track EP (on I’m Not From London Records), dedicated to “the trembling torments of love life at sea.”

This is merely a small taste of deliciously subversive things to come, in the form of a full-length album Hark! The Headland Approacheth, which is due out early 2016. Their instrumentation is a barrel of insane fun — various guitars including a Greek bouzouki, violin and cello, retro organ and accordion, drums and various other percussion and whatnot. They cite sounds and influences as diverse as rock, folk, gypsy, pop, prog, psychedelic and afrobeat. They’ve performed at many festivals such as Glastonbury, Alchemy, Edinburgh Fringe and Secret Garden Party, and at countless venues, especially around their home base of the UK’s East Midlands region. Paradoxically, much of the area is not at all on the open seas. Perhaps that accounts for the sense of mad longing and desperation. Or maybe it’s just girl (or guy) problems.

If you’re in the area, they have a New Year’s Eve gig booked in Leeds, and will be playing in Cardiff, Wales on January 15. Follow them on Facebook for more info. Ahoy, matey!


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