In terms of the quality of the production and songwriting, it’s difficult to fault this impressive third album by Edinburgh indie orchestra Meursault. Something For the Weakened is as good as anything out there of a similar vein, the vein being further variations on an indie folk theme.
Recorded in a ‘proper’ studio — the previous two albums were more DIY in nature — the arrangements are staggeringly good. The slower, sparser songs like ‘Dearly Distracted’ and ‘Mamie’ are given space to come together organically — the strings and piano perfectly judged to add swell to singer Neil Pennycook’s relentlessly pleading vocals. The bass and drums add meat and momentum in all the right places, such as in the driving, thunderous crescendo of ‘Dull Spark’.
Lyrically it’s all very earnest and touching, with Pennycook sounding on the verge of tears for the majority of the record. Not that this is a bad thing: these are the kind of emotive tunes that illustrate moments of great cinematic and televisual angst and tragedy. Like those BBC adverts that tell you about dramas coming up in the autumn. Money in the bank, really — or at least it should be.
Meursault have recorded a great album that arrives slightly late to the party, but it’s one that should bring them some of the success they richly deserve.
Review by: Rachel Devine
Album Stream
Something for the Weakened is released on Song By Toad Records 16 July 2012. Buy it from our store.
Photo Credit: Nic Rue