When you've a track like 'Song for the Fields' in your arsenal, you're always going to be up against it when it comes to unleashing new material on those who've already investigated you.
Being a relatively new band, though, Fields have the benefit of only now having their secrets revealed to audience outside of 'on it' London. This, their first single proper, serves as an excellent introduction to what they have to give.
Epic, cloud-watching pop that rings at times of My Bloody Valentine, as much as it does the hooks and melodies of Coldplay, 'If You Fail, We All Fail' is the kind of 21st century anthem that fits a toilet venue as much as it does a Wembley Stadium without the two towers.
Where Fields fall slightly flat on this outing is in the execution of their tunes. Occasionally lost in a sea of noise, there is a missing distinction between the chorus and the verses that would otherwise set it apart. It's not a big issue, though: the full version has a drawn-out ending that is so texturally thick and interesting that you could almost stand on it and look down at the people like ants below.
Slowly establishing themselves as one of the bands to watch in 2007, this is but a smidgen of what you can expect from the multi-national troupe in the months to come. Take this as your starter; the main course will blow you away.
The cover
reminds me of "Transatlanticism" by DCFC.
I thought that as soon as I saw it.
as did I
I thought about my mum
:-(
i
was instantly attracted to this band when i first heard them a few months back, the new versions of the songs sound huge, quite epic. Have they set a date for an album and what label are they on now?
New album
Is due 'early' next year, possibly January.
They're on Atlantic Records.
at the metric halloween gig
at the hammersmith palais, I met two siblings who claimed that fields 'were the best band in the world'.
I'd rate it more than a 7
But that's just me I expect, I'm kinda obsessed with this band...
Please, please, please
Can we not compare bands to MBV unless they're absolutely worthy. As an old g1t who still lives in 1991, I've lost count of how much wedge I've splashed out on the next MBV only to be greeted by sub-standard imitations. Ambulance Ltd, Radio Dept, Engineers, Amusement Parks on Fire all spring to mind. Are Fields simply new additions to this list?
I'd certainly say they have a lot of potential to be the next MBV, yes.
one of my favourite singles of the year.
.
One of the best singles of the year
It does sound a lot like My Bloody Valentine...but without the shitty production.
Deserves 9
this band SHOULD be huge.
TBH
As much I do like Fields, I don't think they will accomplish as much as MBV. MBV are always being underrated, even now.
What's with the comparison?
Fields shouldn't be compared to My Bloody Valentine. I've never heard a band produce the walls of sound that Fields do, particularly on the original version of 'If You Fail...'.
Saw them at the Faversham in Leeds, and they blew me away, although admittedly that was very much down to Thoruun Antonia, the Icelandic keyboardist...
It's good to know
Other people think what I think of this band.
I hope they go places.
Fields are incredible!
...bit suprised by the comment about missing distinction between the verse and the chorus?! the verse is quite stripped back and acoustic with lovely harmonies and the chorus is a soaring, M83 sounding affair...hmmmm.
I
love this song. I get the feeling the director of the video has a major crush on the girl keyboard player.
Keep an eye out
For a demo version of this its very keyboard heavy. It works.
because..
it's a home demo and I think only nick did it. Infact the version i've got is his 'solo' version with his name on it proving that fields is just a put together band for nick peill.
or wren as he used to be known as.
I'd say...
...that's just not true because the difference between the demos and the new versions of the songs is really quite big, showing that the rest of the band are having a large input on things.
The b-side to this, How Are You Now?, is also very good, sung by Henry (the drummer?) I believe.
well
It's not that different is it? more instruments, better production doesnt make for a band.
Sorry I'm being quite cynical about this but I dont really consider fields a 'band'.
I'm....
....really quite obsessed with this band....it's slightly unhealthy....
Good to see positive comments on here about them.
fields
are amazing. "heretic" is my obsession these days.
i agree with
bigger sound...
it think it suits them
have watched this lot for about well over a year amd they def got something good going on now...
and the lady sheesh shes lovely isnt she...
I dont like this song.
Didnt expect it to be so liked on here. I dont see the MBV comparisons. Is that just cos of the loud bit that sounds like Coldplay?
Another one for the list...
...of bands that don't sound in the least bit like MBV. Here's what you need to do. Go and listen to Loveless and/or the Tremolo EP. Then listen to this. Then get back to me with a single point of comparison. Doesn't the fact that they are supporting fecking Snow Patrol say it all?
Next.
i have to say
when i saw these guys last month I wasn't blown away. They played this track first and its the only one i knew...or remembered afterwards. They're very samey, and leave little impression.
This track is good... but... yeah i wasn't as impressed as I was hoping to be.
does that make sense?