Blake Solomon
02/12/07, 11:40 PM
Released - January 22, 2007
Label - Memphis Industries Records
In thirty minutes I can roll over in bed approximately 48 times, eat 3 bowls of cereal, and procrastinate through 4 classes worth of homework. Thanks to England’s Field Music, I can now do all of these things to an upbeat, indie-pop soundtrack. Being a quasi-homeless person has never been more enjoyable (all of the free time, none of the disease)!
Tones Of Town, the band’s second LP, is all over the place. There are songs that sound like a 70’s sitcom theme (“Working To Work”), there are songs that mix Beach Boys melodies with funky guitars (“Closer At Hand”) and even tracks with simple piano and country music-like guitars (“A House Is Not A Home”). No matter what you like, as long as what you like isn’t hardcore thrash, Tones Of Town has it. These songs aren’t simple either, rich instrumentation and skilled guitarwork shines throughout. Also, I must mention the light, seemingly easy vocal harmonies. The brothers Brewis have even inspired my brother and I to start a project. The name isn’t finalized yet, but we hope to do a whole “John Mayer meets New Kids On The Block meet The Mars Volta” type thing. Look out for our debut EP, “Bros b4 Hos” this fall.
A heavy bass line, catchy drums and (kind of) lush strings make “Sit Tight” an amazing track. The 60’s funk guitar/piano solo is executed perfectly. And not to be outdone, the song ends with some impressive beat-boxing. Honestly, this song is so creative and fun that its worth the album price by itself. “Pace Yourself” is a slower track that features the perfect amount of electronics, strings and harmonica. You have to respect harmonica players. Everyone can pick one up, but it takes a special person to make the instrument relevant in a song. Dogs Die In Hot Cars will hopefully come to mind when you hear the title track. “Tones Of Town” has harder drums and rock-orientated guitars that are different, but still don’t feel out of place on this “anything goes” type of album.
Many of these British indie bands can all start to sound pretty cookie-cutter (scone-cutter, I guess), but Field Music are far from the norm. Tones Of Town is an impressive album perfect for that once-yearly stroll through the park (Poo on the shoe! I remember why I never do this!). Field Music are great for fans of Dogs Die In Hot Cars, Guillemots, Elton John (why not?), and even Billy Joel. Pick this up now, just do it.
You’re washed up, Blake. That ending sucked!
Label - Memphis Industries Records
In thirty minutes I can roll over in bed approximately 48 times, eat 3 bowls of cereal, and procrastinate through 4 classes worth of homework. Thanks to England’s Field Music, I can now do all of these things to an upbeat, indie-pop soundtrack. Being a quasi-homeless person has never been more enjoyable (all of the free time, none of the disease)!
Tones Of Town, the band’s second LP, is all over the place. There are songs that sound like a 70’s sitcom theme (“Working To Work”), there are songs that mix Beach Boys melodies with funky guitars (“Closer At Hand”) and even tracks with simple piano and country music-like guitars (“A House Is Not A Home”). No matter what you like, as long as what you like isn’t hardcore thrash, Tones Of Town has it. These songs aren’t simple either, rich instrumentation and skilled guitarwork shines throughout. Also, I must mention the light, seemingly easy vocal harmonies. The brothers Brewis have even inspired my brother and I to start a project. The name isn’t finalized yet, but we hope to do a whole “John Mayer meets New Kids On The Block meet The Mars Volta” type thing. Look out for our debut EP, “Bros b4 Hos” this fall.
A heavy bass line, catchy drums and (kind of) lush strings make “Sit Tight” an amazing track. The 60’s funk guitar/piano solo is executed perfectly. And not to be outdone, the song ends with some impressive beat-boxing. Honestly, this song is so creative and fun that its worth the album price by itself. “Pace Yourself” is a slower track that features the perfect amount of electronics, strings and harmonica. You have to respect harmonica players. Everyone can pick one up, but it takes a special person to make the instrument relevant in a song. Dogs Die In Hot Cars will hopefully come to mind when you hear the title track. “Tones Of Town” has harder drums and rock-orientated guitars that are different, but still don’t feel out of place on this “anything goes” type of album.
Many of these British indie bands can all start to sound pretty cookie-cutter (scone-cutter, I guess), but Field Music are far from the norm. Tones Of Town is an impressive album perfect for that once-yearly stroll through the park (Poo on the shoe! I remember why I never do this!). Field Music are great for fans of Dogs Die In Hot Cars, Guillemots, Elton John (why not?), and even Billy Joel. Pick this up now, just do it.
You’re washed up, Blake. That ending sucked!