Field Music
Commontime
Reviewed By: Lauren Rosier
The UK indie rock band, Field Music, has returned with its first new record, Commontime, following 2012’s Plumb and Play. The brother duo of David and Peter Brewis, who founded Field Music in 2004, have created a record filled with influences of jazz, indie rock, new wave, and ’80s indie rock music with Commontime.
Their latest record opens with the catchy, head bopping track “The Noisy Days Are Over.” It’s a great example of what an opening song on an album should be: super catchy and engaging. It’s strikingly familiar of the Talking Heads with the frolicking guitars and pulsating vocals.
One of my favorite tracks on Commontime is “Disappointed.” The song starts out as a whimsical, breathy tune, but crescendos into a rhythmic drum beat. The punchy vocals and the lyrics describing the romantic struggle (“If you want this to be more/Then you got to let me know/If you want me to be right every time/You’re gonna you’ll be disappointed”) pull together elements that result in a catchy, essential indie rock song.
Much of the record has a funky vibe such as with the track “Don’t You Want To Know?” pulling elements of funk into an otherwise indie rock track with that heavy bass. There’s a classic groove to tune that makes it irresistible.
Honestly, from start to finish, Field Music is able to create a very cohesive record. There’s a very obvious funky, yet classic indie rock vibe to all of the songs. But then they insert songs like “Trouble At The Lights” that starts off as a mellower tune and builds up into a mysterious, psychedelic-like track that reminds me of bands from that era.
“Indeed It Is” opens with inviting, jazzy keyboards and progresses into rhythmic drums and synths while the duo sings about “the children are in their beds”, “the moon is out”, and “the telly’s on.”
Each track has its own vibe and sound, but they’re all filled with catchy hooks and melodies that makes this record an excellent album to throw on for any mood.
Rating: Bad-Ass
