The Tiger Lillies

The Tiger Lillies are a band that operates completely outside the larger world of popular music in any form, consistent in sound and cultish in appeal, forging their own unique path since the early '90s. Their music is a combination of Weimar era German cabaret, Kurt Weill (especially Threepenny Opera), old school vaudeville, circus music, and an occasional touch of blues. It is driven by singer Martyn Jacques's accordion and distinctive falsetto. There is a fair amount of theremin and saw action by Adrian Stout as well. Their songs deal with themes of decadence and crime quite a bit, with a peculiar sense of humor that could come across as sardonic and fun in one song, potentially offensive in another, all of which have been pretty much the band's calling card for decades. Their recordings have a strong theatrical flair and the songs are often quite memorable, with an overall sound one can pick up in a crowd, eyes closed.