The Miserable Rich - 'Pisshead / Boat Song'
Perhaps in light of recent economic developments in the states, the Bitterly Anxious Rich or the Soon-To-Be-Jailed-For-Gross-Incompetence Rich would have been more topical choices. Not to worry. The Miserable Rich was conceived as a ‘bar-room chamber quintet’ by Brightonians Will Calderbank and James De Malplaquet, which in practice works out as meaning string-heavy folk • no bad thing. This double A-side single provides a nice sample of their whimsical style ahead of the release of their debut album later in the year.
Opening with a simple but effective guitar riff supported but plucked strings, ‘Pisshead’ is a catchy little tune dealing with the perennially relevant subject of alcoholism, Malplaquet’s wearied cry ‘I’ll feel much better when I’ve had a drink’ leading to the gorgeous string arrangement of the bridge.
‘Boat Song’ is a different beast altogether. Possessing a pretty, albeit meandering melody, it proceeds in fits and starts, pushing towards a picardie third resolution before the song falls away to a dead halt before abruptly recommencing. The lyrics, which constitute a kind of adult lullaby for Malplaquet's mother, are highlighted by some music box tinklings, which is a sweet but somewhat obvious touch. It’ll be interesting to see what other goodies ‘Twelve Ways To Count’ may hold come November.