Plowing Into the Field of Love
by Iceage
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Oct 7, 2014
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 51
  3. Negative: 4 out of 51
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  1. Alskiz
    Oct 14, 2014
    9
    Iceage continue their sonic assault with their musically ambitious third album. Hinted at with 'Morals' on last year's fantastic 'You're Nothing', 'Plowing..' sees the band use a buffet of dense instrumentation. Each is used to spooky affect, 'Forever' uses horn to give the song an unforgiving, then playful atmosphere while Abundant Living is actually driven by quirky traditionalIceage continue their sonic assault with their musically ambitious third album. Hinted at with 'Morals' on last year's fantastic 'You're Nothing', 'Plowing..' sees the band use a buffet of dense instrumentation. Each is used to spooky affect, 'Forever' uses horn to give the song an unforgiving, then playful atmosphere while Abundant Living is actually driven by quirky traditional instruments. What separates this from 'indie with traditional instruments, just because' is its willingness to support the key identity of Iceage. The band are still angry, punky and on 'The Lord's Favouite', humorous. The instrumentation becomes a new reason to listen to an already committed and vital modern day band.… Expand
  2. jyo_tirmaya
    Nov 20, 2014
    10
    Oh God, who would have thought that Iceage would get this good. This album and some Iceage You Tube footage I've seen of them performing lately on this latest album is on par with Swans, Jim Morrison. ...any great doom and gloom band. Lead singer is like goth-hero Rozz Williams. He's very good looking, charismatic and his performance style and lyrics are all hitting a peak. Here's hopingOh God, who would have thought that Iceage would get this good. This album and some Iceage You Tube footage I've seen of them performing lately on this latest album is on par with Swans, Jim Morrison. ...any great doom and gloom band. Lead singer is like goth-hero Rozz Williams. He's very good looking, charismatic and his performance style and lyrics are all hitting a peak. Here's hoping he doesn't get too depressed from all the success like some other band leaders have done. I don't know if an album captures the intensity. See them live next time they come to your town!… Expand
  3. Freudia
    Oct 7, 2014
    10
    Plowing Into the Field of Love sees Iceage taking a dramatic step forward in terms of developing their sound and expanding their horizons. The band appears to have matured quite a bit since their last record, as their songs have become more complex, their instrumentation has become more rich, and their emotions have become more powerful. What results is a fully-realized Iceage, who aren'tPlowing Into the Field of Love sees Iceage taking a dramatic step forward in terms of developing their sound and expanding their horizons. The band appears to have matured quite a bit since their last record, as their songs have become more complex, their instrumentation has become more rich, and their emotions have become more powerful. What results is a fully-realized Iceage, who aren't afraid of any challenge that lies before them. Even if the challenge is as daunting as saving punk rock. AOTYSF.… Expand
  4. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 19, 2022
    9
    My favorite iceage record is also one of their quietest. Following their lound explosive debut "New Brigade" or it's sophomore sequel though just as furious a bit more pensive, "Plowing into fields of love" is an ambitious disruption. From the gorgeous lead singles that double as album highlights in a record flooded with them to the enigmatic though spontaneous spartan cover art. "On myMy favorite iceage record is also one of their quietest. Following their lound explosive debut "New Brigade" or it's sophomore sequel though just as furious a bit more pensive, "Plowing into fields of love" is an ambitious disruption. From the gorgeous lead singles that double as album highlights in a record flooded with them to the enigmatic though spontaneous spartan cover art. "On my fingers" the brutal opener sets the tone by not only introducing a fuller version of what they had only hinted to on "You're Nothing " but also the improved emphasis on songwriting that would elevate this amongst some of the best of the 2010's. " the lords favorite " one of the standout singles takes a depraved look into the delirium of obsession with Elias Bender Rønnenfelt voice being pushed to its brink in what can only be compared to as a howl. Iceage though wholly singular do invoke 90's nick cave and the bad seeds not only in their despair but in their cynicism even in the face of love such as the frustrated "How Many"which complains of meaningless night outs and drunkenness when one person who loves you and warm couch to cuddle in would be better spent. It's kinda pitiful in it's longing but never too earnest. It was also the song i discovered Iceage with back in 2017 so it holds an important space in my heart. What also made this album so exciting was the exploration of new instruments within their perfected punk sound such as the horns that ambush my favorite song on the record ,"Forever" ,crazed outro. Pianos sound sharper,horns louder and drums faster. This magnum opus sits comfortably amongst the best of the swans,deafhaven, the clash etc and is arguably a milestone in modern punk music. It's unbelievably consistent and despite its lyrics soaked in despair it's a euphoric drunken rave i just never want to end .… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
  1. Q Magazine
    Nov 13, 2014
    40
    Full marks for envelope-pushing, but this third album is very much an acquired taste. [Dec 2014, p.110]
  2. Magnet
    Nov 12, 2014
    85
    While the urgency of You're Nothing is missed, this more distraught-sounding version of the band is plenty captivating. [No. 115, p.57]
  3. Uncut
    Nov 11, 2014
    80
    The real leap here, though, is one of songwriting. [Dec 2014, p.77]
See all critic reviews »