Before Commontime was made, Field Music brothers Peter and David Brewis spent some time apart, working on solo projects or collaborations. It seems absence makes the creative juices flow faster, as their first release since 2012’s Plumb is perhaps their most accessible to date, without sacrificing any of their skewed pop vision.
“As much fun as we might have had on our own or collaborating, we missed just spending time in the studio, the two of us, trying things out together,” says David.
Commontime is surprisingly funky – with shades of James Chance and Talking Heads – but it’s not just the music that has shifted its focus. Moving away from Plumb’s broader, more political subject matter, Field Music are now focusing on more domestic concerns: growing up, settling down, looking after family members and – on Stay Awake – the effect of late-night nappy changes on your relationship with your wife.
To those in the know, Field Music are one of the country’s most cherished alternative bands, and this album only serves to make that case stronger. Have a listen using the player below and let us know your thoughts.
Commontime is released through Memphis Industries. The band are on tour from 25 February.
