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about

In “Raging Bells,” singer and songwriter g. mervine confronts the anxieties of our era, among them climate destruction and the rise of fascism, as he rages against our helplessness. Mervine’s fellow WPO drummer Elliot Beck transforms the generally harmless glockenspiel into an ironic, menacing sound, while WPO’s own DC punk Larry Goldfinger churls out melodies on the clarinet.
Mervine dedicates “Raging Bells” to Erik Petersen of Mischief Brew, West Philly’s legendary punk folk crew. WPO and Mischief Brew shared several bills in the late 2000s, and Erik’s combination folk and punk sensibilities continues to open our ears and lead us to live more authentically, rooted and fully.

lyrics

Raging Bells (Fanfare for the End of Time)
For Erik Petersen

We’re not right
We’re phasing
Blazing out of time
Stole the words
From my heart
Does yours ache like mine?
The wide world
Is broken
What chance have we begin again?
Find a light
In your eyes
It’s a spark, we can’t hide - no, we can’t hide
So take my hand and cling
Tight by my side
As the parade goes rolling by

This is the world, it rings with raging bells
Here come the dol-drums-beat this empty shell
I sing it too, it’s just the way we tell
Existence speaks, without apology.

I have seen
In my dream
And this time I’m sure.
We can rise
And survive
And without become more.
I awake
And I shake
Then I let my tears flow and then
Is it ever
Too late
To create, we can’t hide - no, we can’t hide
So take my hand and cling
Tight by my side
As the parade goes rolling by

This is the world, it rings with raging bells
Here come the dol-drums-beat this empty shell
I sing it too, it’s just the way we tell
Existence speaks, without apologies

credits

released June 23, 2023
G. Mervine - drums, vocals, guitars
Elliot Beck - glockenspiel
Frank Rein - tuba
Larry Goldfinger - clarinet
David Fishkin - alto sax, clarinet
Elliott Levin - flute
Dawn Webster, Daniel Stern, Adam Hershberger - trumpets
Larry Toft, Hayley Varhol, Michnari Robinson, Ello Shertzer - baritones and trombones.

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West Philadelphia Orchestra Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

West Philadelphia Orchestra (WPO) is a brass band whose music draws inspiration from Balkan brass bands and transcendent jazz. WPO is known for the intensity and chaos of their dance parties, as well as their curious line-up of musicians: spinning tubist, Elliott's hellfire sax, and the voice of Petia Z. ... more

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