Field Music, Plumb (Memphis Industries) *** (From York Press)

Field Music, Plumb (Memphis Industries) ***

11:16am Friday 3rd February 2012 in CD reviews By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk

AS with other bands from the North East, much emphasis seems to be placed on where Field Music are from. Indeed, the first thing the brief press release reveals is that Sunderland brothers Peter and David Brewis recorded on the banks of the River Weir.

Their sometimes disjointed sound can be reminiscent of geographical neighbours such as Frankie And The Heartstrings, The Futureheads and Maximo Park, but the surreal and experimental nature of Plumb, with its vocal harmonies and synthesizer riffs, sets the band’s sound apart.

Their modular, fragmented style can make for a challenging listen – first track Start The Day Right sets a chaotic Magical Mystery Tour tone to the album, as does the disjointed tempo and crescendo of Choosing Sides. But Plumb’s charm comes from an unself-conscious performance and sweetness in tracks such as the forlornly wistful Sorry Again, Mate and Hide And Seek – a great listen with driving piano and strings continuing the album’s theme of romantic disappointment and an epic sound reminiscent of Midlake. Worthwhile, if challenging.