Album review: Junip – Fields
Even longer in the making than Chinese Democracy, Junip’s debut has finally arrived, though it would be fair to say the levels of anticipation for ‘Fields’ has not been quite as great. Formed in 1998 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Junip features Tobias Winterkorn (keyboards), Elias Araya (drums) and Jose Gonzalez (vocals/guitar) whose solo career has been a major contribution in the delay of ‘Fields’. But now it’s here, was it worth the wait?
More an album to listen to in the afternoon sun than an album to get you revved up for a night on the town, ‘Fields’ is an album of pleasant melodies and quiet contemplation. It’s influences are so varied there’s not really anyone to draw a direct comparison with, but listen carefully and you’ll find african rhythms, folk-jazz, soul, krautrock, and psychedelic rock all working in perfect harmony to produce songs which probably share a spiritual connection with Field Music more than anyone else.
Of the eleven tracks here the strongest are ‘Always’, ‘In Every Direction’ which has shades of The Stone Roses, and ‘Off Point’, all three of which also happen to be the liveliest tracks which I think says something about the album. Whilst it’s a pleasant album I’m not sure it’s not one I’d necessarily listen to frequently, though if I was hosting a dinner party I’d rather play this than anything by Coldplay, James Blunt et al! 3/5
Mark Cousens
Out 20th September on City lang / Co-Operative Music
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