2014 was a crossroad in the career of the famous band from Baltimore. Although they had three studio albums up until then, the commercial success came after the appearance on American national television on Letterman’s show. This is when the world met silly frontman and his energetic performance bursting from crazy dance moves, kicking in the chest and primal screams. It was all for promotion of the song Seasons (Waiting On You). Without any doubt, this song had completely marked that year, and the album Singles was without any major flaws.
After all of this, the bar was raised. Fans have been desperately anticipating the new record, wondering If it’s going to be as successful as the previous one. Few plays later, I can conclude that The Far Field may not have instant hits as its predecessor, but it is still a very effective and luring album that won’t disappoint the band’s fanbase.
The Far Field is skillfully created modern indie pop mixture, similar to recently put work by Chairlift or synthpop melodies from the 80s. This type of sound is the band’s true passion. The album is notably polished thanks to John Congleton who added few extra layers of piano and bass lines. Personally, I have no issue with this, because the album is still miles away from mainstream pop and there are no commercial pretensions.
Track that has the potential to become the new Seasons Change is the first single Ran with catchy rhythm and verse:
And what’s a song without you
When every song I write is about you
When I can’t hold myself without you
And I can’t change the day I found you
The record includes an unconventional collaboration with Debbie Harry aka Blondie on the number Shadows, which brings refreshment to the whole sounds of the band (which has pretty much been the same, or should I say one-dimensional). Future dance hits on their concerts are certainly Time On Her Side and Cave, and while we are at live performances – never let yourself to miss their show If you have a chance. Future Island deserves to be called a concert attraction. I have personally experienced them live two times, and I want more!
