Technical difficulties have riddled this series of In Session as guests have had to postpone and shows have had to be pre-recorded or scrapped altogether. However, these troubled times will not stop In Session marching forwards albeit with a few step backwards as we reach into our archives for some sessions that we’ve been holding back for such an occasion.

In May, In Session was delighted to welcome Neil Pennycook of Meursault into the studio to sing us a few songs, old and new, and tell us a few tales about his thought processes and completing Meursault’s first European tour. A month later they wowed us, along with a large cross-section of Edinburgh, at the Queen’s Hall for the launch of their new record “Something For The Weakened”. This album heralds a move away from electronica and reverb in favour of expanding the rich sound resonating from Meursault’s string section; drawing greater appreciation of Neil’s dynamic voice which effortlessly manages to convey the ferocity of his frustrations and the poignancy of his fears. It is a move towards accessibility, which is no bad thing, as tracks like Dull Spark, the first single from the album, are the most poppy the band have sounded in their career. Listen to these tracks in isolation and you’d be forgiven for gaily tapping away to melodies which conceal lyrical themes of abandonment, expectation, and loss. Listen to Something For The Weakened as a whole, however, and you’ll find these melodic joyrides are segued

by affecting laments on piano that make up the framework for the band’s most complete record to date. Having been the darlings of the Scottish music scene for the last 5 years, Meursault’s latest release may very well be a contender for next year’s SAY award as well as a giant leap towards the widespread adulation that many feel they deserve.

Meursault – Something For The Weakened is available on Song, by Toad Records.

Tracklisting:

1. Untitled

2. Pretty Good Day (Loudon Wainwright III cover)

3. Salt Part 2

4. Fib