Good Field’s self-titled debut consists of 11 songs of tight indie-pop that integrates folk, psych, and pop without feeling pigeonholed. God, it feels good to see a band just doing everything well without being defined by some buzzword descriptor. The record has dreamy moments, like the faraway guitars of “Something’s Different.” It has electric country tinges such as the wavering notes of late album track “You Notice.” Good Field even incorporates some 70s psych-rock on album standout “Tell Me Ida” and the sprawling “When You Walk.” However, they don’t limit themselves to any one style. Likewise, they don’t delve so far into any genre that they can’t dig their way out. They simply deliver quality sounds song after song. This isn’t just a great Austin album; this is a great album, period.
Most of the time, there’s a raw grit tapered with smooth hooks that recalls the best elements of the Strokes, but it’s undercut by a laid back groove that feels like Yo La Tengo. The fact that it’s such a nuanced blend of these kinds of bands keeps Good Field’s sound fresh and distinct. When I think of Yo La Tengo, I have to face the fact that Good Field as a band and on this album in particular remind me a bit of Big Star, so they’ve latched onto my greatest weakness. How could I not fall in love?
Opener “Find a Way” announces the album on an incredibly strong note with excellently mixed guitars, twinkling keys, and arresting percussive elements. Each part feels unique—none of the instruments are just following around the other. From the beginning, Paul Price’s vocals are an outstanding blend of sincere and coolly collected. Follow-up “Our Roofless Home” is just as convincing, but leaner, with a marchy, snare-centered chorus. “These Dreams” is my favorite; here, the band takes everything they do well and do it better. Dreamy notes and buzzing guitars open the song along with Price’s even croon, floating into the refrain, “These dreams they are mine.” An electric whine separates high-range, catchy oohs before the song darkens and Price quakes “Never, oohhh, I never…these dreams they were mine,” in a strained warble.
The songs are long enough to feel developed, but never overstay their welcome, with only two songs clocking in over three and a half minutes and many coming in under three. Although not everyone may see it this way, this is a very good thing in my view. The challenge of pop music isn’t droning on for minutes on end, but being able to make a powerful statement quickly and leave the listener with something memorable and affecting. Good Field does so in scores throughout their debut.
