Brighton Source has been firm fans since before they were cover stars for the June 2010 issue, back in the heady days of our monthly print magazine, and we are overjoyed that The Miserable Rich are back with new singles, a new album and thankfully some live shows.
The latest single, ‘FHS’, was released yesterday, the same day as singer James De Malplaquet’s newborn son Woody Ray, so this is not only a time of rebirth but also of new birth – we wish the family well. This is an old live favourite given a polish and a glorious video with the lyrics taking on a new meaning, depending on the use of the word sun/son in the opening line.
The first single from the album, ‘Glue’, with a beautifully animated video by Siân Allen appeared in August with a guest vocal by Jennifer Left. 50% of the proceeds of Bandcamp sales of this single will go to The Lullaby Trust, who are continuing the amazing work started by James and wife Sarah’s Kit Tarka Foundation, set up following the tragic death of their son Kit at just 13 days. The title comes from a nurse saying “You two must stick together like glue” to James and Sarah as they left the hospital after Kit died.
Since going on hiatus ten years or so ago, the various members have remained close and during the COVID pandemic the writing team met, when lockdowns allowed, to drink, eat pizza, moan, support one another and also write some tunes. Fast forward to now and their new album ‘Overcome’ is recorded and coming out next February. We’ve had a preview and from the plucked cello intro of the opening track, joined by the light touch of a hi-hat and the unmistakeable voice of lead singer James, through to the fading, echoed harmonies and piano of the final song, this is vintage Miserable Rich.
Two more singles will be released ahead of that and you can hear the new album, and maybe some old favourites, at The Hope & Ruin on Thursday 7th December (tickets on sale soon). Aside from their fundraising show at St George’s Church in 2018 and an appearance at last year’s St Ann’s Well Gardens Festival, there have been no gigs from this band that truly shine in a live setting. For those not in Brighton, there will be a UK tour in March followed by German dates in April/May.
Welcome back chaps.
The new album ‘Overcome’ is available to pre-order here.
