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Field Report
Summertime Songs
Review by Larry Toering
Field Report return with another great release (this time on the Verve Forecast label) and with a disc that is chock full mellow of indie-folk rock gems that go the distance to create an absolute jovial easy listening masterpiece. This is a great band in a time where most folk and Americana music seems to be at a transition. They combine elements of the past and present which take them over that threshold and into a new era. They show that they’re every bit prepared for it, marking a unique position to be in with the songs to back it. Everything is so well written and arranged that it’s a breath of fresh air.
This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2018 Volume 3. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.
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Track by Track Review
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Blind Spot Field Report aren’t a pop band, but this opener does have some of the finer elements which come from radio-friendly ingredients. It’s a perfect choice out of these ten tracks as the opening cut because it draws you into their sound and keeps you anticipating the next track. This is an excellent way to get acquainted with the band.
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If I Knew This is another story altogether, as the album already starts to take a turn into deep lyrical territory. It’s about being off the meds and drinking again as a couple, and it contains some great string work. The lyrics tell a killer story worth hearing about. The explicit bit is essential to the track and makes it all the better.
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Never Look Back This is another great tune but with more energy and it shows another side of the music and lyrics. The message is clear, and the song very inspiring. It goes to show the album gets better as it goes.
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60 Second Distance Run The album plays like a ride through ten tracks, and this is where it starts really cruising. This is yet another solid-track, even if it's more experimental than the previous numbers, in a very good way. I love the vocals on this, which showcases singer Christopher Porterfield.
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Every Time This is the most serious track on the disc, thus far. It's another extraordinary performance from Porterfield himself on another relationship song. He moves mountains in the process of this sweet tune.
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Healing Machine This is a very percussive track with Porterfield once again adding his magic to everything about it. By this time there is no turning back on the eloquence this band exude. “Feel the pulse,” as he softly pleads.
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Summertime Along with the opening track, this is one of the highlights of the disc for sure. It is another enormously enjoyable number that seals the entire deal. Do not miss this masterful song.
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Tightrope Things get stripped way back on the intro before the cut leaps up and becomes a little monster of a tune. It’s just so hard to find any critical points to put across about Field Report. Once again, I love everything about this, from the music to the lyrics and layered vocals.
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Occupied Mind This is another highlight moment for me, as it starts with a fantastic title to begin, and it just flows from one end of the track to the other. Porterfield is really inspiring and at his best. It’s such a dreamy and hypnotic track that once I heard this my mind was made up about Field Report.
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Everything I Need They do not end on a low note. I like this track as much as any other track on a disc full of absolute greatness.
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You'll find concert pics of this artist in the Music Street Journal members area. |
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