Brighton five-piece The Miserable Rich are releasing their third album, a haunting mix of 11 tracks which is set for release on Halloween. The album was recorded in a haunted pub attic in the grounds of Blickling Hall, which is said to be the most haunted stately home in Britain and the birthplace of Anne Boleyn. Haunting cellos, violins and tinkling piano keys act as the backdrop to the album, and the great vocals of lead singer James de Malplaquet fit so well with the instruments. Honesty starts with an eerie high-pitched violin, chased by a cello, mimicking the violin’s sounds. As you listen to the intro you can picture the recording venue, haunting and mesmerising. The vocals complement the sounds of the strings and the lyrics are dramatic and spooky: “Honesty I’ve never been hypnotised before, but I’m alive, obviously I never knew what these eyes were for.” Ringing the Changes has a beautiful intro, with a stunning piano. You can tell that lyrics “Dance my love, dance through the long dark night, through our black circumstance into the broad daylight. Clinging together we’re as light as a feather just as long as we dance, sweet love, dance as I hold you tight, we had a strong romance how will it turn the night, swirling together go through hell and bad weather” have had much thought put into them, and are just one example of the love and attention that has been put into the album as a whole. This track – mainly due to its lyrics – is my favourite on the album. The album is not for the feint hearted as the genre of music is really particular. It’s not any easy-listen, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a good album, and it really is worth listening to. The band certainly hasn’t gone into making this record half-heartedly and the resulting record is eloquent and interesting. Although it may not be my first choice to put into the CD player in my car for a long drive, I am glad I took the time to give the album a chance and enjoy listening to its lyrics, beautiful strings and impressive vocals.