(Spunk)

New studio album from Sunderland pop professors

Based around the brother team of David and Peter Brewis, Field Music have made a reputation for themselves as creators of smart indie pop, often immaculately crafted. This has created a wealth of “new Steely Dan” labels, though their new 20-song album Field Music (Measure) represents something of a shift in sound for the brothers. Like a lot of more expansive records (Physical Graffiti, Basement Tapes, Being There), the album doesn’t spend a lot of time articulating each instrument in each song. It’s not a raw record by any stretch, but by Field Music’s standards, it goes for a more straightforward, visceral approach. Amidst all the brainy melodies and unexpected instrumentation, the album also boasts impactful, thumping drums and chunky swathes of guitar. A classic example of this comes in Them That Do Nothing, based around a simple, stinging acoustic riff. Being Field Music, they can’t help being playful, so the record also boasts the Michael Nyman-esque strings of Measure blended with immaculate CSN & Y harmonies.  Meanwhile, handclaps, xylophone and Prince-esque falsetto add a fevered atmosphere to Let’s Write A Book. The 20-song format has allowed Field Music to create a more experimental and spontaneous sound, while at the same time keeping their idiosyncratic pop songwriting charm.

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MATT THROWER

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