Field Music (Measure) - Field Music

The north east has always had a rich musical heritage. The sheer number and quality of bands and musicians from this region would surely give any other region a run for their money.....my god I can hear the murmurings from here.

But look at the evidence; Mark Knopfler, Chris Rea, Sting, Janick Gers, Frank Sinatra... Ok maybe not the last one but I think you get my point.

But Sunderland seem hopelessly under represented in terms of music from the northeast. Well there is Bryan Ferry but that doesn't really count. He's an ar**.

...and then the little known Field Music came onto the scene. Taking elements from diverse influences such as XTC, Talking Heads and The Smiths they have singlehandedly fashioned a 'Sunderland Sound'.

This album finds them at their eclectic best. Angular, strange, melodic, eccentric and above all very north eastern. It won't be to everyone's taste but it is a very interesting listen. Between the experimental tracks there are some pop gems; try listening to 'Let's Write A Book' and not imagining XTC supping a pint in a northern hostelry.