From Here We Go Sublime
by The Field
  • Record Label: Kompakt
  • Release Date: Apr 3, 2007
User Score
6.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 397 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 247 out of 397
  2. Mixed: 53 out of 397
  3. Negative: 97 out of 397

Review this album

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. TheDRauch
    Mar 24, 2014
    10
    Axel Willner, under the guise of 'The Field" created on his first release something of a minor masterpiece of electronic music. His ideas here are not only fully developed, but also immaculately conceived; the inspiration to take fraction cuts of music and loop them repeatedly for several minutes on end is, simply put, genius. This approach gives the listener a feeling of primal intimacy.Axel Willner, under the guise of 'The Field" created on his first release something of a minor masterpiece of electronic music. His ideas here are not only fully developed, but also immaculately conceived; the inspiration to take fraction cuts of music and loop them repeatedly for several minutes on end is, simply put, genius. This approach gives the listener a feeling of primal intimacy. Having been subject to a sound on repeat for what feels like an eternity, we gradually begin to feel as if we've known this song deeply and personally for a long time. For an album defined as electronic music to achieve such a profoundly human feel is, frankly, quite rare. Not only has Willner carved an amazingly original niche into his moniker, his music is, regardless of gimmick, a great listen. From the opening track, 'Over the Ice', we are instantly transported somewhere else - a world of indescribable synthetic sounds based in human vocal samples that feels ethereal and anthemic at the same time. 'Over the Ice' perfectly captures the major theme that Willner explores on 'Sublime', the contrast of tension and release, simplicity and complexity. The second track, "A Paw in My Face' tests the listeners ears further, with an incredibly simple, almost elementary loop of electric guitar (later revealed to be a cut from Lionel Richie's 'Hello'), that builds for five minutes to almost unbearably tense effect. From this song onward, we begin to see Willner's hand as more compositional and restrained. Other tracks, such as 'Silent', 'Everday', and the 10-minute centerpiece of the album, 'The Deal', follow this pattern, beginning at an almost comic level of simplicity, only to evolve into a monolithic, densely layered trance. In slowly giving us a little more to grab onto with each loop, these songs become incredibly engaging from multiple standpoints. For one, Willner's music is exceptionally rhythmically subversive, often testing our patience by holding onto a loop just a little longer than we may be comfortable with. He betrays our expectations, creating tension. Another trick that Willner employs lies in the density of the sounds that he samples. They are so mythic and opaque that our brains naturally try to identify an understanding of what it is we are hearing. For instance, on track "The Little Heart Beats So Fast", what exactly is being said so faintly in the background? Diphthong? Dance On? End Solo? When you begin to think on it, each sounds plausible. Lingering on a specific song on the album in order to decipher in exactitude what is being heard, however, can be a near impossible task. Our brains can be deceptive in their understanding of what we hear. In an interview, Willner stated that many of the sounds perceived on 'Sublime' are actually hollow. Our ears naturally attempt to fill in the gaps of music that we presume are there. This makes every faint noise heard (or not heard) deeply mineable, which is a good thing because the listener certainly gets a chance to dive in and examine the soundscape of 'From Here We Go Sublime'. Each track, regardless of how simplistic it is at first glance, is endlessly cavernous. Tracks "Sun & Ice" and "Good Things End", though blatantly repetitive, have a quality of vastness, of grandiosity hidden beneath such sparse sounds. Admirably, The Field has built on a strong following among electronic music enthusiasts because of his respect of the intentional listener. He assumes that his audience is not the kind to feed on instant musical gratification so commonly found in modern popular music, which appears rigid and impersonally structured by comparison. Since its release in 2007, 'From Here We Go Sublime" has left an incredible staple on electronic minimalism. Other such albums unveiled around that time, such as Panda Bear's 'Person Pitch' and Burial's 'Untrue' inhabit a similar musical vein, both making a great application of sampling and repetition. However, the argument could be made that though both of these artists smother The Field in terms of popularity and relevance, and basically rival in critical acclaim, none is more humble and graceful than Willner when it comes to simply crafting music. To anyone with an interest in electronic minimalism, 'From Here We Go Sublime' becomes necessity. For any interested in good music in general, the album resembles a genre at its most accessible and accentuated. To write off The Field as 'dull' or 'an acquired taste' is to accuse a great wine of not intoxicating upon initial consumption. To call his songs mere 'remixes' would be to undervalue the sheer distinction of The Field's style. This is a distillation of music style that is admittedly slow burning, but also endlessly rewarding, like a classic film or novel. 'From Here We Go Sublime' is a work of whose value would be a shame to see fade over time.… Expand
  2. jhereko
    Mar 12, 2013
    10
    This is a rare case (in fact it might be the first time I've said this about anything) where I have to say if you don't love this masterpiece you just don't get it.
  3. finlaycm
    Oct 9, 2012
    10
    It really doesn't get better than this, expect to return to this album for years to come; I have. Seen this guy loads of times, it all stands up live. The Field has put out some good music since this but I'll never expect him to top this. Listen is you like tight controlled music, of any genre. Don't listen if you want immediate returns.
  4. Lighthead
    Sep 25, 2012
    9
    This album is great. It's revolutionary in that it's minimal trance. The genre was bound to be pioneered, eventually; and that's why I didn't give it a ten. Also, not every song on this album is on equal footing. Besides that, it's the elements that make up each song that makes this album special. In addition, the sounds of this album are very diverse; from acid sounding, to quite digital.This album is great. It's revolutionary in that it's minimal trance. The genre was bound to be pioneered, eventually; and that's why I didn't give it a ten. Also, not every song on this album is on equal footing. Besides that, it's the elements that make up each song that makes this album special. In addition, the sounds of this album are very diverse; from acid sounding, to quite digital. Very understated, though. Quite beautiful album. I have to just say to people that are arguing over the critics rating that if my primary love within electronic music were ambient or minimal techno, or even trance, than I would have given this a ten, as well. You guys have to realize that falling head over heels for this album depends on your primary interest in the electronic realm. If you hate electronic, you're gonna give this album a 0. If you love ambient and minimal techno, you're gonna try to give this album a 15. You also have to understand that the quietness may not help with leaving an impression (much less a positive impression) in your mind. All these things have to be kept in view.… Expand
  5. ToddPardue
    Apr 16, 2011
    9
    Great ambient electronica. Synthetic, cold, mechanized. Completely hypnotic. BE CAREFUL driving and listening to this. You might just end-up in the guard rail.
  6. Fintan-Walsh
    Dec 25, 2010
    10
    It's the simplicity of sounds that erupt a complex reaction, in guidance with the ambient repitition, loose beats and magnificent electronic application, it is undoubtedly the cornerpoint of sample-musician history.
  7. Joene
    Aug 11, 2008
    8
    I fully understand why some people don't like this album. However I'm a big electronic music fan and this album tickles all the richt places in my brain. It's all in the details with this one. The grainy textures, the brilliant use off effects, the minimal beats they all come together in a truly beautiful way. Just remember that beauty lies in the eyes (or in this case I fully understand why some people don't like this album. However I'm a big electronic music fan and this album tickles all the richt places in my brain. It's all in the details with this one. The grainy textures, the brilliant use off effects, the minimal beats they all come together in a truly beautiful way. Just remember that beauty lies in the eyes (or in this case ears) of the beholder. My favorite track must be 'everyday', pure bliss...… Expand
  8. TrevorW
    Aug 4, 2008
    10
    It's the perfect mix of heavy bass-lines and short melodic synthesizer phrases. The ambiance each track gives off is slightly different, yet the whole album keeps you in the same mood or trance if you prefer. I eagerly await their second album.
  9. EricC.
    Jul 7, 2008
    10
    If you're in to ambient, this will be one of the most incredible albums you've heard in years. If you're not in to ambient, well... just read the low scores below.
  10. HeretoS.
    May 27, 2008
    10
    Instant classic, and one of very few albums I've started listening to that have hit so immediately. In all honesty, I know very little about deep/minimal techno, and even calling it deep/minimal techno would probably merit a flame, but this really has just hit in immediately. Personally, I'd say that If you can't get over the idea of it being repetitive, then it probably Instant classic, and one of very few albums I've started listening to that have hit so immediately. In all honesty, I know very little about deep/minimal techno, and even calling it deep/minimal techno would probably merit a flame, but this really has just hit in immediately. Personally, I'd say that If you can't get over the idea of it being repetitive, then it probably won't be much fun to listen to. Give it a chance, and the gradual shifts form some unlikely, eerie shapes. Best dance record I've heard in a long time.… Expand
  11. Hierophantus
    Apr 11, 2008
    7
    The hype gets in the way. If people could just listen to this album with no preconceptions--especially if they were prepared to just zone out with their headphones on--most would probably enjoy it just fine. However, even though I like it, I confess I still don't get why it's absolutely praised to the skies. It's good. It puts you in a fine mood and its subtlety has its The hype gets in the way. If people could just listen to this album with no preconceptions--especially if they were prepared to just zone out with their headphones on--most would probably enjoy it just fine. However, even though I like it, I confess I still don't get why it's absolutely praised to the skies. It's good. It puts you in a fine mood and its subtlety has its rewards. But #1? I feel like I still must be missing something that others get, but based on the reviews I don't know what that would be, since I see what they're talking about already.… Expand
  12. MattB.
    Apr 9, 2008
    10
    Best album of 2007. Why? Because this album evokes thoughts of something new and ever-changing. I strongly dislike music that forces you to "buy in" to the artist's lyrics or think a certain way (based on strong audio "cues"...a.k.a. dumbed-down beats/rhythms). The music in From Here We Go Sumblime is so well-blended that the music no longer takes you for a ride...you are riding the Best album of 2007. Why? Because this album evokes thoughts of something new and ever-changing. I strongly dislike music that forces you to "buy in" to the artist's lyrics or think a certain way (based on strong audio "cues"...a.k.a. dumbed-down beats/rhythms). The music in From Here We Go Sumblime is so well-blended that the music no longer takes you for a ride...you are riding the music! Repeat listening in a car or headphones will help it "sink in". Pure genius...the reviews above are not wrong!… Expand
  13. MJ88
    Mar 19, 2008
    10
    Quite awesome. Soothing, simple, looped beats and samples. and when I found out it's all played & mixed live, I had even more admiration for it. Get it now!
  14. TomM.
    Feb 15, 2008
    9
    Great album!
  15. DarylM.
    Feb 7, 2008
    8
    This is the kind of album which restores your love of progressive house, and has you blowing the dust off your renaissance albums from the '90s.
  16. ReeceH.
    Feb 3, 2008
    10
    If you don't like it, say so, but don't start insulting those who do, especially calling us mindless? isn't it just a case of personal preference, or at least relativism.
  17. VD.
    Jan 29, 2008
    9
    Haters "It
  18. CedricD.
    Jan 24, 2008
    10
    Wow what a beautiful album!
  19. VerticalPig
    Jan 15, 2008
    10
    Sublime - throwing off the shackles shackles shackles shackles shackles shackles shackles shackles shackles shackles weeeeeeee!
  20. Ben
    Jan 10, 2008
    9
    I'm not going to say its good or bad. i'll just say that i like it a lot. the fact that he drags out "3-note loops" for 10 minutes is my favorite part about it. i personally love the having a great song on repeat without having to suffer the guilt of playing it over and over again to get your fill. some of the warmest sounds I've found and it seems like they never end.
  21. PaulRooney
    Jan 7, 2008
    9
    I love this album. It reminds me, in no small way, of Royksopp although maybe a bit darker and trancier. I only picked up on it per chance by looking at the reviews on metacritic.com. I'm so glad I did.
  22. SadaF.
    Dec 30, 2007
    10
    I can't stop listening to this. It's emotional, nostalgic, blissful, uplifting, melancholic all at once - like a freshed-up, simplified trance music for those of us who'd given up on that cliche-ridden genre. I love the way it shifts from one phrase to another. So simple, yet so brilliant. This isn't an album for the 'Ministry of Sound' generation though. I can't stop listening to this. It's emotional, nostalgic, blissful, uplifting, melancholic all at once - like a freshed-up, simplified trance music for those of us who'd given up on that cliche-ridden genre. I love the way it shifts from one phrase to another. So simple, yet so brilliant. This isn't an album for the 'Ministry of Sound' generation though. It's an acquired taste and a most rewarding one at that.… Expand
  23. DJShrink
    Dec 29, 2007
    9
    This is the sound of infinity. Like the finest cooking: imple ingredients exquisitely assembled. For those of you not getting it, stop listening so hard: It is what it is. Great stuff. An instant classic.
  24. Brad
    Dec 29, 2007
    7
    Soft, atmospheric and somewhat repetitive loops over lazy shuffling beats. Nothing approaching the greatness I've read in reviews, but completely inoffensive and moody enough as background music. I imagine it would be mind blowing if I still got high, but I don't, so it's not.
  25. ArnZ.
    Dec 19, 2007
    9
    This album deserves all its accolades. It's definitely a different genre of music but if you're into anything mildly electronic then there's something here for you to gain.
  26. AmurabiM.
    Dec 18, 2007
    9
    This is the sound of the new millennium. The sound of contemporary trance music, without the excesses of past times. "From Here We Go Sublime" is just a stunning album without the dullness and boredom of techno albums. This is a catchy album; the kind of sound that stays in your ears for a long while. This is atmospheric, dreamy, danceable and even sublime. This is a terrific album for a This is the sound of the new millennium. The sound of contemporary trance music, without the excesses of past times. "From Here We Go Sublime" is just a stunning album without the dullness and boredom of techno albums. This is a catchy album; the kind of sound that stays in your ears for a long while. This is atmospheric, dreamy, danceable and even sublime. This is a terrific album for a magnificent artist.… Expand
  27. BenE.
    Dec 17, 2007
    10
    it's really quite captivating, despite its utter repetitiveness. it's really something you need to hear to understand. i imagine a lot of people wouldn't like it because of the repetition, though. works very well as background music, too.
  28. david20023
    Dec 15, 2007
    8
    My, how this divides people. Any album that annoys as many people as this must have something going for it.
  29. Michael
    Nov 4, 2007
    10
    I loved it from the get go, the sound is just so heart-warming. It's so wispy, so up in the clouds, I feel like I could listen to these songs forever. It's very simple, but very brave and vivid. Absolutely lush. A very personal album, and as such many are going to be completely confused by it. The rest of us will just drift away.
  30. DanielS
    Oct 29, 2007
    10
    Wow, I can't believe this album is so polarizing. No doubt it wouldn't be getting near the flak if it wasn't #1 on metacritic, but it's good for The Field because a lot more people are listening to this than would have normally. I think the album is brilliant, and as it gets closer to the end of the year and the weather outside is getting colder, I only want to listen Wow, I can't believe this album is so polarizing. No doubt it wouldn't be getting near the flak if it wasn't #1 on metacritic, but it's good for The Field because a lot more people are listening to this than would have normally. I think the album is brilliant, and as it gets closer to the end of the year and the weather outside is getting colder, I only want to listen to it more. A great addition to what seems to be a benchmark year for Swedish music exports.… Expand
prev
Page:

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Album of 2007
5
#5 Most Discussed Album of 2007
44
#44 Most Shared Album of 2007

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Almost Cool
    85
    If you like minimal electronic music at all, you must seek it out.
    Read full review
  2. BBC collective
    100
    This is one of those rare albums that makes you wonder how you ever got by without it.
    Read full review
  3. cokemachineglow
    74
    This is an album you could easily hate -- especially if you like things like change and development.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »