English Teacher have won the Mercury Prize 2024 for their acclaimed debut album ‘This Could Be Texas‘.
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The Leeds four-piece were among the favourites to win in tonight’s ceremony (September 5), behind Charli XCX with ‘Brat’. The Last Dinner Party were also considered to be one of the front-runners with their album, ‘Prelude To Ecstasy‘.
The band members embraced Jamz Supernova, who handed them the award at the iconic Abbey Road studios in London. Vocalist Lily Fontaine then said, “Look, mum,” and explained that they didn’t expect to win: “We didn’t really plan this far.”
Guitarist Lewis Whiting thanked “everyone in Leeds,” while the members all thanked their friends and parents. ”My mum did the artwork [for the album] so I want to give a special thanks to her,” added Fontaine, who also thanked the music scene in their home city, including live venue Brudenell Social Club.
The judging team said: “This has been a really tough year for the Mercury Prize judges, with the final 12 albums being so reflective of our diverse & rich musical landscape. There was so much passion and enthusiasm for each one.
“In the end, though, we did agree that ‘This Could Be Texas’ by English Teacher stands out for its originality & character. A winning lyrical mix of surrealism and social observation, alongside a subtle way of wearing its musical innovations lightly, displays a fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format. ‘This Could Be Texas’ reveals new depths on every listen; the mark of a future classic.”
In a five-star review of the album, NME concluded: “What you have in ‘This Could Be Texas’ is everything you want from a debut; a truly original effort from start to finish, an adventure in sound and words, and a landmark statement. Poised for big things? Who knows if this industry even allows that anymore. Here are a band already dealing in brilliance, though – who dare to dream and have it pay off. Not everyone gets to go to space, but at least English Teacher make it a damn site more interesting being stuck down here.”