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
Buy Now
Buy on

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. 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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »