The dead came to life on Sept. 4 at the International.
Funky beats and comic relief characterized Here Come the Mummies’ unconventional performance. Based out of Nashville, this band performs wrapped head-to-toe in full mummy costumes — without the costumes, they wouldn’t be able to play.
Here Come the Mummies is composed of a dozen professional musicians already under contracts with various record labels. The group dons their mummy wrappings and face paint in order to play anonymously to avoid contract disputes.
Although the band has opened for well known performers like Cheap Trick and been invited to multiple festivals including Voodoo Fest 2015, the crowd at the International was only a modest size. But what they lacked in number they made up for in enthusiasm.
Here Come the Mummies play in a funk-jam style that makes dancing irresistible. The band’s sound combined with their mischievous comic persona made for a light-hearted atmosphere throughout the night.
Josh Reddish, junior in industrial engineering, described the band as “an interesting mash-up of a jam band with strong jazz roots.”
Reddish originally bought his ticket based on a recommendation from a friend, but after looking up videos of the band before attending, he was immediately sold by the band’s unique approach to music.
“I got about what I was expecting: a fun, intense performance from a very talented group of performers who were not afraid to push boundaries,” Reddish said.
It was refreshing to see a band not take themselves too seriously. The band’s own website described the mummies “unearthing” from an ancient discotheque in 1922 by a “Professor Dumblucke.”
“Some say they were cursed after deflowering a great Pharaoh’s daughter,” the website speculates. “Others claim they are reincarnated Grammy-Winning studio musicians.”
Half of their appeal and popularity comes from their carefree attitudes, but this would be nothing without their exceptional talent. In addition to the standard drums, guitar, bass and keyboard, the band also has a 4-piece horn section.
Most of the musicians played multiple instruments throughout the night, and although there was a lead singer, each mummy had their own moment in center stage. Their interaction with the crowd showcased each of their distinct personalities, ranging anywhere from playful, sexual, creepy or stoic.
The rule of the night was expect the unexpected. The percussion mummy known as “Java” came to the front of the stage with a dumbbell strapped around his waist. Keeping his hands free to hold the mic and sing, “Java” played the cowbell by gyrating across the stage.
After the last song ended and confetti burst out over the crowd, the mummies left briefly before coming back for an encore. Following the show, they posed with audience members and stood by available for anyone who wanted to talk to a real-life mummy.
