Field of Reeds
by These New Puritans
  • Record Label: PIAS
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2014
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 44
  3. Negative: 2 out of 44

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  1. DingusDingoDung
    Jun 11, 2013
    10
    I have enjoyed this album as much as it is possible to enjoy an album. With every listen it gets better, I don't know how they do it, but it's incredible. So F**king moving, but also so f**king confounding This should not be, but it is. 10/10
  2. DonSharp
    Aug 6, 2013
    10
    Britain's best band One of the worlds most interesting bands .One of the greatest albums of the decade so far .

    The title track closer is my favourite part of the whole thing.
  3. RussellChap
    Dec 27, 2013
    10
    Unapologetically high-minded and serious this album isn't populist, you won't be hearing any Field of Reeds ringtones or guest appearances on Britains Got Talent anytime soon, it's a channel where the glamour and clamour of pop music is barred and instead you can hear the music flow and grow, this is the hidden sound of contemporary England.
  4. jyo_tirmaya
    Mar 20, 2014
    9
    It took me awhile to get into the mood of this album. At first, it sounded all the same, and then I began to notice the different subtlety's in the musical tones - some quiet, some louder - and I liked it. (I made my first assessment of this album on what I heard on iTunes, but I realized you can't make a decision on iTunes sampling. There is so much more when I heard the whole thing.)It took me awhile to get into the mood of this album. At first, it sounded all the same, and then I began to notice the different subtlety's in the musical tones - some quiet, some louder - and I liked it. (I made my first assessment of this album on what I heard on iTunes, but I realized you can't make a decision on iTunes sampling. There is so much more when I heard the whole thing.) This is an accomplished record. A step up from what this band has been progressing towards over the last 6 years. These New Puritans do so many understated yet wonderful things on this one. It's hard for me to describe. What will they come up with next?… Expand
  5. cheesepoof420
    Jun 11, 2013
    9
    Expectations are only a burden if you allow them to be. When I initially listened to "Hidden" in 2010, I was immediately hypnotized by "Time-Xone". I was unsure of what I was hearing, which made it enticing. Of course, all of the hype was instigating my curiosity. I wish I would have discovered Hidden unexpectedly. I was astonished by the music, the meaning of the lyrics came later.Expectations are only a burden if you allow them to be. When I initially listened to "Hidden" in 2010, I was immediately hypnotized by "Time-Xone". I was unsure of what I was hearing, which made it enticing. Of course, all of the hype was instigating my curiosity. I wish I would have discovered Hidden unexpectedly. I was astonished by the music, the meaning of the lyrics came later. "Hidden" blew my mind. It was the music I dreamed of creating. My anticipation for "Field of Reeds" has been unbearable, but I can honestly say that TNP have constructed something that I cannot even begin to understand.

    I Listened to the album for the first time last night. Start to finish, on a high-quality tube amp sound system.
    My heart raced, my eyes watered, and my mind quenched for more when it was through. Every song has a deep purpose. There are subtle similarities found within each track that references the others which leads me to believe that there is a possibility of syncing tracks simultaneously. The explanation of the lyrics will come later when the Vinyl is delivered to my house. I have difficulty hearing some of the lyrics, I will need the lyrics that come with the Vinyl to help me follow along track by track. With "Hidden", each layer of lyrics unveiled itself at a very lethargic pace. While the music was furious, and eccentric, the lyrics were a mere whisper. Truth is, the lyrics are the most pro-founding aspect of "Hidden". There were no wasted words, and every phrase down to the syllable count vicariously echoed the meaning of the songs. I was floored by the level of Genius.
    "Field of Reeds" is eloquent, patient, and transcending. "there is something there" The flow of the songs free falls from your brain to your spine. You can feel the music. Body trembling bass notes, unique time signatures, and chill tingling trumpets fill your head, until the album ends and you are left, confused, baffled even. I would recommend this album to none, for discovery of a gem is much more satisfying than another's opinion leading you to it.

    I have now listened to "Field of Reeds" two times through. I have noticed that when the album finishes its course, the faint piano of "The Way I Do" begins to play in my head, almost as if it is beckoning me to listen again. While I can understand that few people have probably experienced this same revelation, the music on this album sticks with you. The quality of this music, is found in the person behind it.    … Expand
  6. Bestpony
    Jul 22, 2013
    9
    It's a staggeringly fearless record, one that follows only its own dream logic and dares you to keep up. It really is a field of reeds, and getting lost in it is a disorienting but strangely serene experience.
  7. Ricko
    Jun 17, 2014
    7
    Field of Reeds is one of the more unusual and inventive records of the year. While These New Puritans have very much crafted their own style and sound, Field of Reeds often brings to mind a cross between Sigur Ros and latter day Radiohead. This is a very intricate record with a sinister undertone that sucks you in and leaves you slightly disconcerted but always looking for more. Its anField of Reeds is one of the more unusual and inventive records of the year. While These New Puritans have very much crafted their own style and sound, Field of Reeds often brings to mind a cross between Sigur Ros and latter day Radiohead. This is a very intricate record with a sinister undertone that sucks you in and leaves you slightly disconcerted but always looking for more. Its an album that requires repeated listening in order to get a proper taste of it and I've enjoyed more and more with each listen. On the negative, I do feel the album never really lifts off and several of the tracks, despite being quite good, outstay their welcome as they never really progress into anything. An interesting and enjoyable listen that could have been even better.… Expand
  8. normankant
    Oct 5, 2014
    7
    Field of Reeds is a great album.
    It has orchestral arrangements, strange unique melodies and a well done mix. It also has the useless voice of the singer of the band, often ruining the songs (in their previous record the spoken vocals were appropriate and great for it).
    The album tend to be boring, and too difficult to listen to from start to finish, but in the end it's not a bad record    Field of Reeds is a great album.
    It has orchestral arrangements, strange unique melodies and a well done mix. It also has the useless voice of the singer of the band, often ruining the songs (in their previous record the spoken vocals were appropriate and great for it).
    The album tend to be boring, and too difficult to listen to from start to finish, but in the end it's not a bad record and it has moments of pure bliss.    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best Album of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. Dusted Magazine
    Mar 28, 2014
    80
    These New Puritans are still thinking the same off-kilter, rhythmically intricate thoughts, but filtering them through a whole different music making process. Either way, it’s impressive and quite lovely. Nicely done.
    Read full review
  2. Alternative Press
    Mar 7, 2014
    80
    It’s just the right balance of heavy and light tones, a mixture that Barnett & Co. continue to perfect throughout the whole album.
    Read full review
  3. PopMatters
    Jan 15, 2014
    70
    Field of Reeds is a record that continues to hint at promise for a still-young band--no, it is not an outright masterpiece, but there’s enough to commend it that suggests that These New Puritans might not be far off.
    Read full review
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