David Thomas Broughton - Outbreeding

(Brainlove Records, 2011)

I guess we’re calling this the official follow-up to David Thomas Broughton’s seminal 2005 debut, The Complete Guide to Insufficiency. Are we? Which isn’t to say Broughton hasn’t been busy in the more than five ears since his debut. He release the odds and ends collection, It’s in There Somewhere and the collaborative experiment David Thomas Broughton vs 7 Hertz, and there have been some EPs of note within that timespan as well. Still, it’s been a long wait for this, Broughton’s sophomore effort.

And, wonderfully, Outbreeding delivers. If you listened to Boating Disasters, Broughton’s delicious 4 song EP from last year, you’ll already know good chunk of this album, but the new context of the songs is enough to set them off anew, and a full set from Broughton is irresistible. Like the EP, Outbreeding is a turn towards more straightforward songwriting, presenting Broughton and his inimitable voice more clearly than perhaps ever before.

This is a strength.

While the looped miasma of Insufficiency felt like a perfect introduction, Outbreeding seems like the only plausible forward step. Out of the mist, Broughton’s voice is heavily affecting and, steadied with more traditional folk song structure, his hard-cut poetics are as impactful as the tenor of his voice.

This is, hands down, one of the best records of the year.



Ain't Got No Sole from BROWN BREAD FILMS on Vimeo.

David Thomas Broughton - "Potential of Our Progeny"

David Thomas Broughton - Boating Disasters

David Thomas Broughton
Boating Disasters
(2010, Static Cavern)
RIYL = Dragging An Ox Through Water, Antony & The Johnsons, Angels of Light

Things have been sparse on FG as of late, I know. That isn't likely to change anytime soon. But I had to, however briefly, mention this delicate little EP from godly voiced UK avant-folk musician, David Thomas Broughton. You should know his name already, and if you don't, start backtracking. This four song gem is in advanced to a full length due out later this year and provides much more ear blessing goodness then should be possible in just over ten minutes. All stand outs, all representations of perfection...I'm so so excited. But seriously, before we lose track of it, Boating Disasters is wonder in and of itself. A rich slice of cake. I love this man.

-Thistle

87.

David Thomas Broughton
The Complete Guide To Insufficiency
(Bird War/Plug Research, 2005)

A church, a guitar, a looping pedal and one of the most heartbreakingly gorgeous voices in the world are the elements that make up David Thomas Broughton’s debut offering. With the sparseness of these tools, Broughton recorded five elongated ballads that creak and whimper like old wooden boards that are sighing their last breath. The Complete Guide To Insufficiency is one of the most beautiful documents of raw brilliance set to tape that I have ever heard.

-Thistle