The Miserable Rich have released two masterfully-crafted songs as a double-A side: ‘Quietly’ and ‘We All Know’. Here we have the video for the excellent ‘Quietly’ from the Brighton-based indie/orchestral collective. Beginning with delicately-picked guitar, the song swells halfway through, rising gloriously on sweeping musical layers. Driving percussion, flourishes of violin and soaring backing vocals from Jennifer Left energise the song and the repeated lines of the chorus turn it into something like a hymn.
It’s a song of resilience and quiet hopefulness, a determination to carry on in the face of adversity. Vocalist James de Malplaquet explains the inspiration behind ‘Quietly’: “I was writing about Sarah and I – but clearly everyone has been through a challenging time over the last few years and the themes do seem like they might resonate. I think it’s actually quite a traditionally British sensibility – but I am quite sure there are people everywhere just going about their business despite the heartache they carry.” In the video, created by James Kendall, ‘Quietly’ is delivered by many faces, perhaps showing that the theme of defiance is universal.
Both songs are from The Miserable Rich’s forthcoming fourth studio album, their first new release for more than 13 years. Due out on 2nd February 2024, ‘Overcome’ is the follow-up to 2011’s ‘Miss You in the Days’, featuring twelve new songs. On the new material, the beautifully-arranged strings and acoustic instruments of The Miserable Rich’s earlier work is combined with layers of additional sound and influences, including piano, brass and electronic, creating a distinctive, absorbing blend. Find details of a handful of live shows and pre-order blue and black vinyl here.
