The Far Field hail from Kent via Ireland and much like their bi-country make up, they pull from a range of influences to help shape their sound. The band seamlessly blends 90’s mid-western emo with shoegaze to create a dreamy pop sound that is reminiscent of Alvvays or Wolf Alice. New single ‘Lake of the Woods’ follows on from 2024’s self titled debut EP. On ‘Lake of the Woods’ we hear the first offering crafted by the whole band. In the process they refine their sound, as they take steps forward in songwriting and production. The single sounds huge and punchy, sharpened pop melodies float on top of driving chords, propelled forward by insistent drums as Nicole sings of escapism and the beauty to start again.
The band is made up of Nicola Tee on vocals and keys, Dan Lucas and Adam McVey on guitars, Katie King on bass and Cameron Sheppard on drums. The formation of the band came after Nicole and Dan had begun demoing some songs, and on the strength of these reached out to Katie and Cameron. It wasn’t long before the band realized they wanted a bigger sound, giving more melodic and sonic options and so Adam came into the fold. Place is a constant that runs throughout the band’s catalogue so it’s no surprise then that the name is taken from a house in their local Kent countryside.
‘Lake of the Woods’ is the first track the band have written collectively, with previous tracks being penned by Dan and Nicole, the result is a driving dream pop track that floats along with breezy wistful melodies whilst simultaneously leaning into some of the band’s rockier influences showing they’re not afraid to jump on their overdrive pedals to hammer the track home. The track opens with a quick drum fill from Cameron then wastes no time in pulling us into their world. Lyrically the choruses are draped in a wanting mellon collie as Nicole sings, ‘Desolate, wandering far..Vexation, frustration, world weariness, destitute wandering star’. Only to be balanced in the verses by hopeful solace found in a sweet release, ‘Hold fast and kiss me, like I’m really going to leave’. Nicole says the song is about “leaving somewhere, escapism. The beauty of having the bravery to start again.” The song winds through choruses and verses before hitting the middle section which starts the slow forceful climb to the crescendo at the end of the song, staccato stabs on the guitar are underpinned by Katie’s bass and Cameron’s drums.
When it came time to record the band looked inward with Dan taking the controls at their practice space/studio The Joplin House. Shouldering the responsibility of engineering, mixing and producing the record allowed the band to draw on Dan’s intimate knowledge of the songs and ultimately what the end product should sound like. The comfort and ease of recording in a familiar space comes through on the track, it almost feels as though you’re in the room with them as they play through the song just for you.
‘Lake of the Woods’ is the next step in the band’s evolution, building on already strong foundations from their first releases, the songwriting is refined and laden with hooks. Nicole’s vocals are the lightning rod for the listener as she guides us through the song, while the band shape the mood and push/pull of the track, accentuating the emotion. A strong entry into The Far Field catalogue and one that sits easily amongst their contemporaries.
© Michael Smyth
