Mourning Phase

Mourning Phase were a quartet active in Liverpool around 1970/71, centred on the songwriting of singer and guitarist Mike Conn. The other members were Joy, Owen, and Martin who died at an early age.

Mike Conn had been in other Underground bands, and has continued playing music to this day. The original Kissing Spell label found the LP circa 1988 and frantically searched for the band with no luck, eventually issuing the LP anyway. Unbeknownst to all, Mike had left England many moons ago. The LP is unique lyrically detailing an apocalyptic break up, and played with an intense, dynamic energy. The words are among the most literate to be found in rock music.

Band member Martin plays a bowed bass on the songs which sounds like a cello. Two copies were made with hand decorated sleeves by the Irish artist Mary Redfern (RIP). Her monogram, 'MR', is visible lower corner of the well known sleeve. That copy, with the seated figure based on on Seurat's painting, is thought to be in a Japanese collection.

The second decorated sleeve has been hidden since 1971, an Arcadian scene with ornate birds drawn with the same colour palette as the other sleeve, using the very same felt tip pens. The first and only authorized edition is on the Seelie Court label, using the second original cover, and with the full story of the band written by the 3 surviving members themselves.

Although characterized by a driving, jangly acoustic feel, the Mourning Phase LP is almost art rock and certainly not traditional folk. The intensity of the recording and superb songwriting has given it a cult following and it is extremely highly rated by many collectors.

It remains unclear how many were pressed, most had plain white sleeves, and its likely to have been 25 copies only.