Womad

Sudd MM

The modern sound of Sicily

Sudd MM are a collective from sunny Sicily whose performances this weekend remind us that the 'D' in WOMAD stands for dance. Don't read us wrong - they're a band from Palermo who clearly possess working knowledges of soul, funk, dub and hip-hop. It's just that they also have an eye on the visual, inviting a team of dancers on stage to interpret their particularly Sicilian take. It's all a proud celebration of their home island. While they reach across the Mediterranean and beyond for much of their sound, this is still music with a definite sense of place and a local flavour you can almost taste. The accordion and violin both play strong parts in this, recalling the timeless traditions of the region, while the neat and tasteful touches of electronica prove they look in a forward direction rather than constantly checking their rear-view mirror. If these are the fruits of a modern Europe, why on earth are those Euro-sceptics so suspicious?

Biog by Nige Tassell