The team here in Ratlinghope is delighted to confirm the return of Shrewsbury ska heroes MIGHTY VIPERS for Farmer Phil’s Festival 2020! These guys packed out the second stage last year and really lifted everyone’s mood despite the horrible weather, so it’s exciting to have them on the bill again in August.
Mighty Vipers’ engine is fired within the belly of the industrial north, where brass band culture meets the ethics of DIY punk rock driven forward with a reggae-inspired groove. An eighteen-legged beast where everyone is welcome and all are unified in a sea of sweat, smiles and celebration.
While the Mighty Vipers’ hip-shaking grooves are aimed directly at the dance floor their lyrics are fiercely political. Often cited as more punk than punk, they refuse to be pigeonholed by genre or association. Instead it’s all about an attitude of inclusivity; and live performances are all about getting the crowd in on the action.
World music fans and Metal heads alike fail to appreciate the frenzied onstage energy with music that moves from stomping swing through to lamenting calypso quicker than you can say Harry Belafonte.
June saw the release of their new music video for their single ‘Cities on Fire’ a track written in protest against the disinformation and rampant impunity of those in power. The denied opportunity that our failed system supports, yet attempts to hide from view.
The band are back in the studio over Winter to record their second single ‘Run for Life’ – a Balkan-infused romper with a pinch of Gogol Bordello and a twist of the Waltz. The single is due out in Spring 2020.
“Mighty Vipers are a great take on all the bits of the ska story from Rocksteady and Calypso to Punk Ska. Also great lyrics and melodies – It’s hard to disagree with that” – Tom Robinson, BBC Radio 6 Music
“Like a steamroller of sound; smashing you round the face with a wet kipper while you make your best sex face” – Express and Star
“If your feet aren’t moving, then you must be dead” – Big Cheese Magazine