Field of Giants: ‘In Arcadia’ – instantly intoxicating!
Field of Giants is a UK based, independent hard rock band. After a string of local shows to test their new material, the band, release their new 7 track album (Official Release Date 30th June 2017) with 2 bonus tracks. The new album, ‘In Arcadia’, comes after the successful independent release of the band’s first album, ‘We Are’, in 2015, which was well-received by both critics and fans, with the single ‘Let Go’ being voted as listeners’ choice on a number of rock radio stations. With age come wisdom, experience, and reflection, even if it’s only 2 years since their last album release. Two years in today’s ever-evolving technological music industry is probably the equivalent of twelve years in rock’s golden era filled with hallucinatory drugs. During these 2 years, the masked rockers, Field of Giants have continued to infuse various influences into their style and soundscape, to evolve with their most recent release – ‘In Arcadia’.
The heightened production level is evident in the amplified and epic nature of various tracks on the album and it seems like a good fit for a band that always looks to experiment and expand their cinematic-styled grunge flavored rock sound. Field of Giants slowly slides in, and then charges into the opening track, “World of Absolutes”, a high-energy, slow-burning, but full-throttle tune that is instantly intoxicating.
Accompanied by gritty guitar riffs, the vocalist twists and turns his voice to drive the ascending chorus, as the song progresses between an ambient dream-like state and a roller-coaster ride. It is the perfect way to begin a string of tracks that showcase the band’s focus and ease in producing infectious and epic rock songs that stay ear-friendly tunes throughout.
Next up, “Forever and a Day” continues to bring a high level of energy and further exhibits the ‘light and dark’ effect in its production. The guitars drive the tempo with scathing riffs before the song builds into a full on attack. The vocals are both seductive and soaring as the song speaks of resiliency and prevailing against the odds of an emotional state.
After the bombast and electricity of the first two tracks, Field of Giants show no intention of slowing things down on “White Water”, which was the first song to be released in promotion of the album. The lead voice again captivates over the usually gentler verses and the harsher choruses, with the grinding guitar riffs tunneling its way into your belly.
As we reach the halfway point, “Second Wind” changes the mood slightly. It is a moody anthem with a gentle sweeping bridge and powerfully chugging chorus. The song is poetic and empowering and stands out as one of the more memorable tracks. “All I Wanted” takes a turn into a more atmospheric tone. The vocals, along with the instrumentation, are slow and sultry feeding into the deep nature of the song. It stands out as hypnotic and seductive, creating a distinct vibe. Expect the earth-shaking chorus, which is a Field of Giants trademark.
“The Noble Lie” on the other hand, arrives in full ’90s force, charging up with its sultry intro login, before crashing into your face with an explosive chorus. There are moments of ’90s grunge before the song slithers into a somewhat slow and sinister rhythm.
This is one of the album’s standout tracks. Finally, there’s the title track “In Arcadia” which is the perfect brooder-and-smasher – soft in the verses, and very, very loud in the choruses, with bone-crushing guitar riffs and rock solid drumming holding up its rhythmic backbone.
Although “We Are” and “In Arcadia” appear to have irreparable similarities, “In Arcadia” presents enough superior material to surpass the previous recording. Field of Giants proves to deliver enough original material to make “In Arcadia” stand on its own as the band’s best recording to date. Even the raw energy of the bonus tracks “First Response” to the groovy “The Kings Men”, confirms that Field of Giants has exceeded all expectations.
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