The Brewis brothers exist in a hermetically-sealed world of perfect pop. In that sense, their output continues to recall that of XTC. While other records have done that more explicitly, the band's new one, Flat White Moon, broadens the sound of the Sunderland outfit in some subtle ways. This Memphis Industries release isn't radically different than earlier FM offerings, of course, but it's proof that even in a year with a plague, the Brewis brothers can continue to expand their own already-rich sound.
Buoyant opening "Orion from the Street" is this record's "Garden of Earthly Delights", a signal that old influences don't wash out for these boys too easily. Elsewhere, there's a Rundgren-vibe to "Out of Frame", even as "No Pressure" and "I'm The One Who Wants to Be With You" inject some Eighties Brit funk into the grooves. Neither cut completely takes off, but the effort is appreciated. Closer "You Get Better" does the same thing slightly better, though I'll be damned if you can tell the difference between the three cuts.
Field Music are great at putting the right pieces together, enough so that all of this feels like bands we grew up loving. That said, some of those bands had stronger hooks than what's on Flat White Moon. This isn't a weak album, but it's not a particularly revolutionary one. However, take any single cut here and plop it down in the middle of a mix or playlist and you'll likely come away praising this band. It's just that the diversity and spark diminish the longer the record plays after those first two songs.
Flat White Moon is out tomorrow via Memphis Industries.
More details on Field Music via the official Facebook page.
[Photo: Christopher Owens]