Indemnifying Egalitarians Maiming Strictures,

In need of rock’n’roll, I picked up my ticket and headed towards The Lemon Tree. First, I would have to stop by the supermarket for tea bags. My ticket stated ‘Field Music’.

At the supermarket, I wandered past the tea bags on promotion at the front door on the basis that I would consider the whole range of tea bags in the aisle. Unfortunately, the bargain bags by the door were the best option and I had to retrace my steps and reach over the barrier to grab a pack from the display in the foyer. I also bought some sweets and perused the fruit with view to the next day’s lunch. I wished to be served by a person to rid myself of the cash I had in my wallet, however, all checkouts were closed apart from one and all customers were directed towards self-service. There, my fears were confirmed and my items were too light to register on the balance and my notes were too crumpled to be accepted. I had accounted for tomfoolery at the supermarket because I didn’t want to see the support act or wait on Field Music setting up.

My planning was formulated on the basis of non-existent research and assumption, and ultimately, it was an error of judgement. Once I arrived at the venue, the support act, Golden Fable, were still playing and were actually really great. I was a little sceptical at first, for I worried that we were to be subjected to repetitive self-indulgent synth beats.

Rather than ripping up my ticket in disgust and rinsing my ink stamp off in turpentine (substitute), I listened on and I enjoyed them. Not unlike The Horrors, Golden Fable have created an image to accompany their sound. Their silver and golden garb is apt for their hi-tech electro-tunes. Rebecca’s voice is one of the most beautiful to be heard; pure and heady, with the innocence of an alien unaccustomed with the corruptions of our world (as aforementioned). The single release, Always Golden, was an obvious favourite for me, akin to a Stereolab tune, this had a real thrust to its progression and Rebecca’s vocals have a similar captivating effect to those of Liz Fraser of the Cocteau Twins. The Motorcycle Emptiness cover was remarkable as most covers are.

My appreciation of Field Music will never match that of Marc Riley’s, however, I know how many really good songs and great lyrics they have bestowed upon us. The Tones of Town album should be known as one of the all-time best records. My main goal from the gig was to hear In Context and this was the second song played so I needn’t have stayed but rather than pushing through the crowd and slamming the door on my way out, I listened on and I enjoyed them.

There’s so much going on in every Field Music song that they really are a marvel to watch, David and Peter Brewis hop between instruments and construct unique tunes. I have always liked In Context because of the way it builds up in speed and impact, layer-by-layer from the start in an almost orchestral fashion, except without any classical instruments.

The quirkier tunes such as If Only The Moon Were Up and House is Not a Home diversify the gig and spread the fun throughout. House is Not a Home resonates particularly with me at this time, and in fact, so closely that I’d rather they had chosen something different. They ended with the spectacular I Keeping Thinking About a New Thing; it’s a lovely song but for one lyric ‘eloquence is over-rated’, I value eloquence most and if I have even demonstrated a modicum of it anywhere, I’ll be happy with myself.