The Miserable Rich

Imagine a quintet that traded their synthesizers and drum kits for cellos, violins, and double basses, then moved into a haunted Norfolk estate to record. The Miserable Rich craft a sound that is profoundly organic, where the wood and wire of the instruments provide a tactile, breathing foundation for tales of love, death, and possession. It is music that feels ancient and modern simultaneously, rooted in the precision of classical chamber music but delivered with the emotional immediacy of indie folk.

What truly sets them apart is the way the strings aren't just background padding; they are the lead characters. The interplay between the cello and violin creates a melodic dialogue that replaces the traditional electric guitar role, while the upright bass provides a deep, woody pulse. James de Malplaquet’s vocals sit perfectly in the center, a warm and slightly weary croon that guides the listener through arrangements that can shift from delicate plucking to sweeping, cinematic crescendos.

For those new to their world, 'Miss You in the Days' is the essential entry point. It captures the band at their most atmospheric, leaning into the 'haunted' aesthetic of their recording environment while introducing a more rhythmic, driving energy that makes their baroque pop feel surprisingly urgent and vital.