The Far Field
by Future Islands
  • Record Label: 4AD
  • Release Date: Apr 7, 2017
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
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  1. dgassman3
    Apr 11, 2017
    9
    I don't know if there is a band that knows its niche better than these guys. The entire album flows together so well, and perfectly epitomizes why Future Islands are the king of synth-pop. A refreshing, groovy 50 minutes with great replay value.
  2. 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 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!
  3. 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 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 lastNever 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.… Expand
  4. 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 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 foundExcellent 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.… Expand
  5. Music_Observer
    May 16, 2017
    7
    This synthpop adventure was rather wayward and watered down, especially with the rather unpleasant vocals, but it still had pleasurable moments through steady harmonic flow and constant energy to make the experience worthwhile. My Score: 119/180 (Good) = 6.6/10

Critic Reviews

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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
  1. musicOMH.com
    May 17, 2017
    80
    An album ram-packed full of top-notch melodic synth-pop--a triumph from start to finish.
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  2. Clash Music
    Apr 26, 2017
    70
    Tthe songwriting is strong without being spectacular, and John Congleton’s production offers clarity but is somewhat lacking in edge.
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  3. The Quietus
    Apr 25, 2017
    70
    The album rolls at a constant low boil, the agitation poking and prodding under the skin, not unlike the lingering, uncertain love. The Far Field isn’t explosive in its emotion, nor is it wallowing; it’s just constantly rolling forward, the wheels propelling Future Islands onward to the horizon.
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