Meursault – Nothing Broke
It’s weird for me to be reviewing a record which is released on my own label, but inasmuch as it feels a little strange, it would in many ways be even stranger for me not to be reviewing Nothing Broke just because it’s on Song, by Toad Records. So, erm, somewhat vested interests noted, let’s proceed.
For a lot of Meursault fans I think this EP will be most notable for the appearance of live favourite William Henry Miller Pt.1 – on an official release at long last. For me, this is less the case for this song than it is for the title track itself. The first four songs I ever heard by Meursault were demo versions of The Furnace, Lament for a Teenage Millionaire, Salt Pt.2 and Nothing Broke on their MySpace page just less than two years ago, roughly. I specifically requested it when they performed their Toad Session almost a year ago – a sparse, lovely version itself – and I am thrilled to see it finally released into the wild, where it belongs.
Initially, this was supposed to be a mini-album including a lot of acoustic versions of songs from their album, but as it was recorded that concept receded somewhat. According to the band it just seemed right to keep it all new material, although this does mean that there is a stunning version of Salt Pt.1 out there still waiting to be mixed.
Consequently, Nothing Broke ended up being far shorter than it was strictly intended to be, but this makes it lean as fuck: there is no flab on this whatsoever – not a whiff of filler anywhere. In fact, although it might lack some of the thunderous noise which is apparently coming our way on the second album, it is an amazingly coherent, whole piece of work. It works perfectly as a group of songs, some of which are the best I’ve heard in fucking years.
Red Candle Bulb is something of a Bear Scotland effort in that, for all it was largely written by Dan from Withered Hand, Neil from Meursault and Cammy from Enfant Bastard made their own contributions to the tune. I’ve known of this recording of it – in my eyes the definitive one, although that opinion may be a little controversial – for some time and it’s another one I am glad to finally have see the light of day. In fact, given how well-known W.H.M. Pt1 is as well, the only really new songs to me on hearing this were Love or Limb and the splendidly morose finale, William Henry Miller Pt.2.
How well these integrate into the better known stuff is impressive. The emotional trajectory of the EP as a whole seems perfectly judged. Love or Limb is the centre of the work, and the third in a surprisingly varied opening trio of rather dismal laments. Nothing Broke, for all the band may insist it is a funny song, is nevertheless musically rather splendidly downbeat. This mood shifts into the wryly humorous self-deprecation of Red Candle Bulb, and then the flirtation with country which flavours Love or Limb, before the dark cloud is brilliantly exploded by the jaunty clap-along of William Henry Miller Pt.1. It’s perfectly judged – any more and it could all become a little depressing, but this song brings something of a release, allowing us to really wallow in the most miserable tune of the lot last of all.
Albums are by their nature often more sprawling, and now that there is expectation I would imagine the second record might be difficult to pull off with such ease, so to my mind I doubt there will be a more perfect, self-contained release for some time. I really do think that this is an astoundingly good piece of work, dubious as that may sound coming from someone with a vested interest in its success. That’s genuinely what I think, though.
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Meursault – Nothing Broke (Demo)
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Meursault – Nothing Broke (Toad Session)
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I listen to this a lot for the simple reason that it is just so bloody good, a very well put together EP that seems effortlessly done.
I must say though that I do prefer the Withered Hand, you’re not alone, version of Red Candle Bulb. Don’t get me wrong, this one is class, I just don’t think that this is the definitive version.
I would be very interested in hearing the mini album this was meant to be, sounds fantastic!
I loved this. It just hangs together better than the album in my opinion with all songs beautiful and but slightly less chaotic on this record, letting the songs hold their form better. I struggled to enjoy the first album in a single sitting, which is certainly not the case with this EP.
I’m sure I’ll get round to writing a proper review eventually… it’s been an pretty heavy rotation over the last couple of months and the title track is blissful.
Well bear in mind that I heard Red Candle Bulb (ie this version) first, and that often seems to play a big part in these things.
There is an acoustic version of Salt Pt1 which was recorded for this, but never got mixed and didn’t make the final cut. It sounded brilliant when they were recording it though, and I would love to hear it one day.
not the biggest fan of WHM pt 2….but the rest of this is just awesome.
Matthew i agree with regards Nothing Broke, the first time i heard it a year or so, i was gob-smacked and couldn’t understand why it wasn’t on the album.
really, i could sum up my feelings by saying, I WANT MORE.
P.S who cares what is the definitive version of Red Candle Bulb, i love all 3, yes even Cammy’s….whoop whoop!
I’d absolutely love to hear that, can’t complain though, not with this little gem.
i’m sure Toad posted it up here not so long ago
it was on their myspace page for a while too i think.
Neil never even mixed it, to the best of my knowledge.
I think myself and matthew are talking about Salt pt1 whereas Euan and Chutters are talking about shooby candle car.
By the way, just had a listen to the demo and it’s fucking ace.
nope. have heard salt part 1 acoustic for definite.
They play it that way live a fair bit at the moment.
I love this album.
Yep – this has easily had the most plays of any of our homegame merch this year. Cracking wee beast, so it is.
Thought you might like this:
http://dearscotland.com/2009/07/02/broken-records-in-germany-aug-13/
Hello mate, sorry for not replying to your email – this weekend I am making time to address my inbox! The site looks fantastic – but you want to be careful if you go around quoting any old chancer, you know.
Actually, if I were the Associated Press, I would have charged you $100 for the privilege of using that quotation.
It’s worth more than that – isn’t it a first edition?
I really enjoy the Toad session version. Kind of takes you to church. The big vocals drown out the whole office while I put clipping paths on golf clubs. Now I must purchase the rest and wait for the US tour.
Yes, I love, love, love this little gem. But nothing will replace the first record… That one hit me right between the eyes whereas this one slowly cept up my sleeve.
Tour? Gigs? Do tell, I want to keep up even if vicariously thru my local informants xoxox
Best thing I’ve bought this year
proud to say i have had a copy for a couple of months and it is very good indeed! To my shame I haven’t seen them live in ages – but hopefully will do soon….
Can’t really add much to everything that’s already been said. This is really really good.
I’ve seen William Henry Miller live a couple of times now, and I’m always impressed with the connection the audience make with that song in particular.
It feels almost primal, the group response (but in a good way).