The Field

Hairy Lemon Backpackers, Mawhera Quay, Greymouth

Friday, 30^th May 2003

Rating:

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Dayglo missed these guys performing on the 9th May, so was looking forward to tuning in this damp night. Cor, we're having a few too many of those damp nights lately eh, Nightglo.

The talented and artistic Kelly brothers form two thirds of The Field and eventually got underway with a blending of trippy guitar licks and metallic chords which sometimes made the other instruments sound like they were just the accomplices on this musical heist. There was almost a sense of the orchestral that continually built up and left the punter waiting for the band to launch into something that smacked of grandeur. Some of the tunes hit the target, and some of them didn't, but The Field remained compelling throughout their set.

These guys can blur many lines of rock beats and experimentation, with a sometimes more than subtle hint of the "Dunedin" sound emerging, (sorry guys, couldn't help that), and with a sometimes dissident but heartfelt pounding energy accompanied by emo, not screamo, vocals. So with emotional vocals, guitar driven tunes with the keyboards filling in the gaps, this short set emitted a strong sense of creativity and musical craft. 

If your musical appreciation tends toward a melancholic and smokey feel, you'll enjoy The Field. If your senses are stirred along the way, then The Field are doing a fine job. A part of the attraction for Dayglo, and Nightglo stand-in, was that their music didn't just rely on vocals to stand on its own. The vocalist takes a break and lets the music speak for itself, but I did get to wondering if that was really a part of the plan.

So, we end up with a blend of noisy hardcore and melancholy, vocals dropping in and out, ambitious compositions and a trio that are authentic and humble in their approach to their audience - it's like they're not trying to score points with anyone. Yes, there were those few missed moments. Yes, there was the odd gem in there that captured and held the full potential of The Field, and no, Dayglo was not completely blown away, but I look forward to hearing more from these guys with their no frills indie punk rock style. (Don't musical genre's suck sometimes???)

And now for the apologies: Apology Number One - for not knowing who the third band member is - perhaps someone can let me know... and Apology Number Two - for not having a relevant pic to add to this review. (Some Dayglo art will have to do for now).