Leeds-based quartet English Teacher have won the Mercury Prize for their debut LP, This Could Be Texas. Presented by BBC radio presenters Huw Stephens and Annie Mac, this year’s live event was broadcast from Abbey Road studios.
The judging panel said: “This has been a really tough year for the Mercury Prize judges, with the final 12 albums being so reflective of our diverse & rich musical landscape. There was so much passion and enthusiasm for each one.
“In the end, though, we did agree that ‘This Could Be Texas’ by English Teacher stands out for its originality & character,” they added. “A winning lyrical mix of surrealism and social observation, alongside a subtle way of wearing its musical innovations lightly, displays a fresh approach to the traditional guitar band format. ‘This Could Be Texas’ reveals new depths on every listen; the mark of a future classic.”
Last year, the Mercury Prize went to Ezra Collective for their album Where I’m Meant to Be.