Manchester quintet Marouli is back, and they’ve got a lot to say. Fronted by Irish-British musician Graham McCusker, best known for his keys and vocals with Band Of Skulls and a stellar list of film/TV credits (His Dark Materials, The Essex Serpent, etc.).

Their sound is an inventive cocktail, blending vintage pop, jazz, folk, and classical into a cinematic experience. Their evocative sophomore album, ‘Tall Tales From A Distant Uncle (Volume 2),’ dropped on October 24th.

Like their 2022 debut, the new record is a nod to the great Scottish comedian Billy Connolly. McCusker calls each track a “wee miniature moment of time and tale being told.” But the album runs deeper than mere storytelling. For McCusker, it’s a fiercely personal project, penned during his second battle with cancer. “Marouli is now that outlet of this music for me,” he explains.

Recorded across Wales, Manchester, and London, the album was produced by Danny Allin (Band of Skulls, Daniel Blumberg) and features high-calibre session work from players like Oli Rockberger (John Mayer) and Loz Garratt (Jamie Cullum).