The Far Field
by Future Islands
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Apr 7, 2017
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
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  1. The Guardian
    Apr 6, 2017
    60
    While their fifth album is not a giant leap forwards, all their essential elements are intact and thriving, and it reaffirms their mastery of modern synthpop.
  2. Spin
    Apr 5, 2017
    60
    The Far Field can’t match its predecessor, but it isn’t without its highlights.
  3. Slant Magazine
    Apr 5, 2017
    60
    Songs about unrequited love will never go out of style, but The Far Field would be better served by occasionally taking the road less traveled.
  5. Uncut
    Mar 21, 2017
    60
    Its high-beam intensity and near relentless drive triumphing over the niggling familiarity of some songs. [May 2017, p.30]
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  6. Drowned In Sound
    Apr 5, 2017
    50
    Apart from the new wave prom dance of 'Candles', The Far Field plays out like a treadmill--same tempos, same whining siren wails from the synths, same bass undulation.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 46
  3. Negative: 2 out of 46
  1. Ricko
    Feb 8, 2018
    8
    Excellent follow up to their brilliant "Singles" album and works well as a companion piece to that album. "The Far Field" maintains the FutureExcellent follow up to their brilliant "Singles" album and works well as a companion piece to that album. "The Far Field" maintains the Future Islands sound, thumping bass, distinctive vocals, general 21st century new wave vibe. It's easy on the ear and on the mind - all in all an enjoyable experience. I thought I preferred "Singles" as I thought it had stronger songs but I have found myself listening to this one more often. The first third section of the album is particularly superb.… Full Review »
  2. StevenX
    Jul 29, 2017
    3
    Never has a band gotten so far on one TV performance, and rarely has a band coasted like this after such an opportunity. The beat is soNever has a band gotten so far on one TV performance, and rarely has a band coasted like this after such an opportunity. The beat is so monotonous here, the music so unchallenging and predictable, that when they slow down on "Candles" you double-check to make sure it's the same disc - it's nearly the only song that doesn't sound just like every other song on the album, or most of the last one. You can't see Samuel Herring dancing here, the musical autopilot negates most of his vocals - after two listens I couldn't remember more than a couple of lyric phrases (although his going inexplicably flat on "Beauty Of The Road" perked up my ears a bit), and the WTF death-growl moments that got your attention on TV haven't returned (or been replaced with something more interesting) to keep it. Sit this beside the Letterman appearance three long years ago now and you may realize just how much the gimmick suckered you in. Cemented in naked-emperor cult status, these islands better drift from formula soon if they expect much of a future.… Full Review »
  3. DavidWasHere
    Jul 21, 2017
    7
    While nowhere near as immediate as Singles, Future Islands continue with another winning 80s inspired synthpop and new wave record withWhile nowhere near as immediate as Singles, Future Islands continue with another winning 80s inspired synthpop and new wave record with glistening synths and the impassioned vocals of Samuel Herring. Sure it's a tad bit formulaic, but it is a formula that does work!… Full Review »
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