1. Ambiguity
2. Execution
3. Unmarked grave
4. Walking Over You
5. Ever Rotating Sky
Despite the modern twists evident in Broughton’s music, for example the process of looping and layering live guitar and vocal, there’s a definite timelessness about his style. Sounding like some forgotten blues/folk singer, ‘The Complete Guide to Insufficiency’ abounds with innovation that distinguishes Broughton from the average acoustic performer. Recorded live in a church hall, the net result is a very real insight into the haunting quality of Broughton’s music close up. Whilst on first listen, some of the songs may sound a little clumsily presented, there’s a real virtue in the honesty of the production (courtesy of Ghosttown Recordings) particularly in an age of over-production. Furthermore, the initial awkwardness of the manner in which some of the different sounds intermesh disappears rapidly with every separate audio intake as Broughton’s approach really begins to grow on you. The melancholy, and at times morbid, beauty of what is heard exists alongside lyrical black humour, note the words of second track ‘Execution’; ‘I wouldn’t take her to an execution, I wouldn’t take her to a live sex show, I wouldn’t piss or shit on her would I, Because I love her so.” Those dissatisfied with the imperfections of this CD should bear in mind the manner in which it was recorded and also accept that Broughton possesses more than just the potential to hone his overall preciseness as, already, he exhibits the natural talent which, we hope, will serve as the vital artistic prerequisite in creating future masterpieces
Will Gray
Click here to find out more about David Thomas Broughton
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