Field Choir is a solo instrumental indie rock project of Reid Wilbur. His release Western Hits invokes elements of spaghetti western, old time western ballads, ’50s pop as well as surf, rock and more. This is one of the more original releases I have heard in recent memory which combines these types of genres successfully. For reference I would mention groups like The Walkmen, Roy Orbison and The Shadows for starters.
I was impressed that this was a solo album. It truly felt like a band playing live in a room. I can’t say I know any of the details about the recording process but he got an aesthetic sound which fit with the music. The album has such a seamless, cohesive flow starting with “Goldtop.” There is a ’50s style drum beat with piano and lead guitar which takes the rein. It doesn't sound like a guitar solo which is why I liked it so much. It comfortably takes the lead but focuses on the melody rather than the amount of notes that are being played. Up next is the smooth and appealing “Technicolor.” I loved the groove which could have worked for a song by The Walkmen. “Parlour” was another success that felt thematic and could work in a modern day Western or movie by Quentin Tarantino. “First Light” has some magic as well but it was the piano and melody on “Bright Black” which brought me back to songs like “Teen Angel” you would hear at a prom. “White Dress” felt like the most classically romantic song on the album. Kudos to Wilbur for successfully resurrecting a strain of music that often doesn't get its due in the modern world. This is an album that was simultaneously nostalgic, fun and highly original sounding. Recommended.
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