The TOM FUN ORCHESTRA

Question: What indie rock ensemble from Cape Breton has elicited comparisons to The Clash, Tom Waits, Arcade Fire and Broken Social Scene? Answer: The Tom Fun Orchestra. Formed in 2005, this energetic band has an irresistible musical quirkiness that is expressed via a unique blend of electric and acoustic instruments. They feature complex arrangements of tunes that range from swing and rock to jazz and Celtic – and they play them brilliantly! Three years ago they recorded their debut CD Yo Will Land With a Thud (produced by Violent Femmes singer guitarist Gordon Gano) and won their first of several awards at the 2009 East Coast Music Awards. With a second CD currently being recorded and tours that have taken them as far away as Britain and Australia, the Tom Fun Orchestra continue to dazzle audiences and live up to their “Tom Waits Meets Moulin Rouge” description. The Orchestra consists of Robot Orbison guitar/vocals, Bert Lionais trumpet, Victor Tomiczek banjo, Dave Mahalik accordion, Shane O’Handley bass, Tommy Stallion drums and Glenn Barrington fiddle.

“The Pogues come to mind, with a Maritime spin and negligibly better dental work.” –Montreal Mirror