Staff Reviews

The Miserable Rich - Of Flight and Fury

Review by Simon Jay Catling

The trouble with such gorgeously sweeping arrangements is that they fall quite apart from the emotional tenor of what de Malpaquet is trying to convey. »

Buy now from:

the miserable rich's name originates from an experience the band had playing an aristocratic wedding in rome, seeing the bourgeois quaffing a lavish banquet and showing that wealth does not bring happiness. unlike money, which doesn't necessarily induce happiness the miserable rich's second album of flight and fury does. this is the brighton groups second lp and its 13 songs are a perfect accompaniment to those lazy summer nights.'pegasus' with its orchestral arrangements, folk plucked guitars and james de malplaquet's melencholy vocals are a perfect opener. 'chestnut sunday' demonstrates the bands firm grasp of the nu-folk movement we have seen of late and should grace many a bbq's over the summer.

as like much good folk, the subject matter occasionally takes a mythical, almost fairytale nature as %u2018the mouth of the wolf%u2019 is very little red riding hood in its lyrics against the delicate and fragile guitar and strings. %u2018for a day%u2019s americana sound is perfectly dirty and whisky soaked, due largely to the deep double bass playing throughout. there is also a humorous and self deprecating side to the album with %u2018let me fade%u2019. it%u2019s a typical breakup song with the barbershop harmonies accompanying lyrics of a non existent sex life.the most surprising thing about of flight & fury is that of the recording of it. the record was recorded at various band members%u2019 houses in brighton over a few months, with the recording suffering interruptions from disgruntled neighbours, and floods. this kind of approach is normally favored by lo-fi indie guitar bands, and adds a rougher more authenticate edge. it is therefore surprising as of flight & fury is a very well produced, rich tapestry of sound. the music has been delicately layered together, with the finished article a very forward thinking piece of chamber pop.
description from www.roughtrade.com