Released 15th Novermber, Humble Soul


However upsettingly titled, The Miserable Rich do absolutely nothing to make you unhappy. Quite the opposite really. In fact, one wouldn’t be surprised if they weren’t rich either. Ooh, the little liars…

The Brighton quintet open up their Covers album with a charming version of The Stranglers’ Golden Brown. Not since before it was played relentlessly on local radio has this song sounded so delightful. It’s such a catchy opener, with a touch of Spanish guitar and nostalgia thrown in for good measure, that you have no choice but to smile and listen to the rest.

Listening to the rest of this EP is certainly not a chore. Their second – and, by far, greatest – track is Pixies’ Gigantic. Using the combination of twinkly piano, flailing violin and high vocals, The Miserable Rich manage to create something more akin to a lullaby than a rock anthem. Be careful though: if you have never cried to Pixies before, this might just be your moment. Grab those tissues and get ready for your spine to tingle as everything finally crashes in together; the cool bass line holding the whole lot in place.

Citing Iggy Pop next, the five-some unwind with a lovely string-laden take on his glittery 80s classic Shades, completely reworking the hit; and successfully too. Managing to relax the whole affair nicely, and obviously not completely satisfied, they then have a crack at Eurythmics’ meisterwerk Sweet Dreams. Instead of the dark, sythn-heavy original, The Miserable Rich expertly layer beautiful violin work over plucked acoustic guitar, building up to an explosive crescendo of canon chants. Such a blissful tune it is, it wouldn’t seem out of place at the top of a couple’s record collection in their cabin in the woods; ready for when they feel like cuddling up in front of the fireplace.

Unlike most clever cover albums though, The Miserable Rich don’t seem to have some hilarious gimmick which will keep them going for at least five minutes in the public eye. Exuding talent, these guys are clearly made of something more. Definitely ones to watch.

Posted In Single Reviews, Nov 24 2009. Words - Rich