Melody Fields 1901 – 7th Level Music

Top 25 albums of 2023: #’s 10 – 6

Here we are at the top 10 albums I heard last year. Let’s get to it!

Cool beats, dub bass, scratching, hand percussion from instruments collected around the world, and killer grooves all combine on this instrumental world music record. You’ll play this a lot, and it might be your new favorite workout record.

#9: Shame – Food for Worms

I’ll admit that I didn’t get this record at first. I enjoyed Shame‘s first two albums, but this one just seemed…off. I almost didn’t review it, but I thought, “Maybe I just need to hear it again.” I’m glad I did, because it finally clicked for me on the third listen and it turned out to be a great record by a band that is constantly exploring themes of identity, consumerism, celebrity culture, and death.

#8: Melody Fields – 1901

If you were looking for some good psychedelic music this year, Melody Fields delivered it with 1901. At times trippy, at other times lush, other times rocking, and other times meditative. They were a pleasant discovery for me this year, and I look forward to hearing more from them.

#7: Protomartyr – Formal Growth in the Desert

Protomartyr have yet to put out a bad record, and they’re probably the closest you can get to experiencing a vintage Gang of Four live sound without building a time machine. This album is about transitions, from life to death, from an old home to a new one, from grief to healing. Again, they hit a home run.

#6: Thee Oh Sees – Live at Levitation (2012)

A great, previously unreleased live set from Thee Oh Sees thanks to the good folks at the Reverberation Appreciation Society, this show captures one of the early incarnations of the band (with just one drummer) shredding the stage as they always do. The live version of “Block of Ice” is alone worth the purchase price.

Next up are my top five albums of 2023! Don’t miss it.

Keep your mind open.

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Review: Melody Fields – 1901

I don’t know what’s in the water in Sweden nowadays, but it might be bringing people’s minds to higher states of consciousness and thus causing many of them to form cool bands – like Gothenburg’s psychedelic rockers Melody Fields and their new album 1901.

The album is full of stunning touches and haunting moments – not spooky, creepy haunting moments, mind you. The moments are almost like having groovy ghosts of a deceased psych-band who crashed their van on their European tour in 1969 and now hitch rides with travelers and get them into weird adventures. “Going Back” throws you back into the psychedelic era right away, making you wonder if Melody Fields has someone dropped you through a time portal.

“Jesus” is described by the band as “a profound experience that delves into the complexities of spirituality and personal connections, leaving an indelible mark on the listener’s consciousness. “Jesus” is not just a song; it’s a musical experience that transcends boundaries…” I can’t describe it better than that. The only thing I can add is that it reveals the band’s love of shoegaze and shows how that genre and psych-rock are pretty much brothers from another mother / sisters from another mister.

“It’s the end, and soon you will die,” they sing on “Rave On,” in which they join most of their fellow psych-rockers by melting your brain while performing a song about the inevitability of death…so why worry about it? Keep raving, dancing, and exploring.

In case you were wondering, why yes, Melody Fields likes synthwave as well, as evidenced on the instrumental “Mellanväsen” (“Middle Vase”). They take those synths and then pair them up with guitars that buzz like some kind of giant robotic hornet on the mostly instrumental “Transatlantic.” You probably could hear the guitars across the Atlantic if you cranked your speaker volume to the max. The band worked with Swedish psych-voodoo giants GOAT on parts of the album (and Austin, Texas’ psych-groovers Holy Wave), and GOAT’s touches are immediately apparent on “Home at Last” – which hits you with all kinds of wild world sounds.

The heavy bass on “Indian MC” mixes well with the sitar-like guitar (or is that an actual sitar? It’s played so well that you can’t tell either way.) chords to evoke riding across Europe with a lover and no particular agenda apart from escaping workplace drudgery. “It takes two, and I want you. Now it’s time for you to choose,” they sing on “In Love” – which rocks hard and will probably make Black Rebel Motorcycle Club a bit envious when they hear it. It’s the kind of track that would make a good show opener because it’s an instant rocker that gets your attention and shakes the walls. The closing track, “Mayday,” sends the album out on a floating note with soft percussion and music box-like guitars (even if one of the music boxes is winding down and perhaps cursed).

1901 is one of the best psych-rock records I’ve heard so far this year, and Melody Fields is already planning to release another one, 1991, on November 10, 2023. Don’t miss either of them.

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Thomas of Melody Fields!]

Melody Fields sings “Hallelujah” on their new single.

Swedish psychedelic band Melody Fields returned with their latest single ‘Hallelujah,’ on 18th August 2023. Additionally, they have announced two albums 1901 and 1991 that are both set to arrive later this year via Coop Records and Nudie Records.

Merging velvety synths, bouncy house piano, pounding bass lines, and funky bongo drum beats, ‘Hallelujah’ stands out as an infectious neo-psychedelic dance anthem. The band’s hazy, hypnotic vocals adds a shoegaze touch, creating a refreshing twist to the psychedelic genre.

Melody Fields said of the single, “Drawing inspiration from iconic bands like Primal Scream and Happy Mondays, the track transports you to the glory days of early 90s dance-oriented rock. ‘Hallelujah’ is a tantalizing preview from the upcoming album 1991, set for release on Coop Records (EU) and Nudie Records (US). Get ready to surrender to the irresistible allure of Melody Fields’ sonic ecstasy and let ‘Hallelujah’ ignite your dancing spirit.”

Melody Fields’ forthcoming albums 1901 and 1991 are a testament to their exploration of the neo-psychedelic realm. 1901 will arrive on 13th October 2023, with 1991 dropping on 10th November 2023. Building upon their signature sound, they will delve deeper into the realms of sonic experimentation, incorporating elements of electronic psychedelia and atmospheric soundscapes. The result is a mesmerizing fusion of vintage and contemporary influences, where retro-inspired melodies collide with innovative production techniques.

Hailing from the vibrant musical enclave of Gothenburg, Sweden, Melody Fields is a band that seamlessly weaves elements of modern psychedelia, indie rock, and shoegaze into their captivating sonic tapestry. With a sound that pays homage to the pioneers of the psychedelic rock movement while forging a distinct path of their own, they have become a force to be reckoned with within the psychedelic music scene. Drawing inspiration from influential bands such as Spiritualized, Moon Duo, and La Düsseldorf, Melody Fields create a sonic landscape that balances vintage psychedelic nostalgia with a fresh and modern approach. Their enchanting harmonies, swirling guitars, and ethereal textures immerse listeners in a kaleidoscopic world of sound, where the boundaries between reality and dreams blur.

As Melody Fields carve their path within the global psychedelic scene, Melody Fields has garnered attention and acclaim for their innovative sound and captivating live performances. Melody Fields’ newest single will be released on 18th August 2023, and their two upcoming albums 1901 and 1991 will be delivered later this year.

Keep your mind open.

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[Thanks to Thomas Windholm.]