THE FIELD
Axel Willner, techno mastermind and quite the clotheshorse.
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RSS for Gentle SnarkLook, I'm not complaining, and goodness knows I love to run into ya, but I always thought there was some sort of rule in Seattle's big book of social awkwardness that prevents us from approaching friends at the gym, gesturing to our cheap Radio Shack headphones and cheerily asking, "Hey, what ya listening to?"
It's a fair question. If I've the nerve to be plugged in when you walk up to engage me in conversation, you've every right to know that I'm listening to the Crystal Method, Andrew W.K. or, um, Journey. And no, it's not even "the good Journey" (I have to admit that I favor "Frontiers" over "Escape"). Just once, though, I'd like for you to catch me on an evening when I'm not listening to something stereotypical or embarrassing. I'd like for you to ask me that question on an evening when I'm rocking The Field.
The performing alias of Swedish producer Axel Willner, The Field makes music for the blood. Willner's hypnotic, looping trance compositions aren't meant for the brain to process; they work best when you allow them to wash over you, unchecked and unconsidered.
The melodies are minimal -- you can hum one in its entirety in less than five seconds -- and syncopated against a reeling, elevated heartbeat. Listening to The Field makes you believe that there's a bitchin' party happening in your skin and heart and lungs, and every cell in your body is doing that twirly-glowstick thing. If this isn't the sound of runner's high, it's damned close to it.
Willner, augmented by supplemental players, brings The Field to Fremont's Nectar Lounge May 2. I can't absolutely say that it's worth your money; it's one thing to hear The Field's beats blaring from your SkullCandies in the midst of a treadmill routine, and quite another to experience them in a club setting, where you might be tempted to watch the musicians and actually think about what you're listening to.
I think I may roll the dice. If you see me at Nectar, don't be shy about coming over and saying hello. Be sure to shout it nice and loud, because my hearing is shot.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
Comments
Post a commentUnfortunately The Field's tour has been canceled because the band was denied entry to the country. I feel more secure already. Thank you United States Immigration for saving me from the mellow Swedish goodness! Whatever would I have done! Make sure and keep Sigur Ros out next time they tour too, that'd really get the kids riled up.
I guess that's what you get when you traffic in illicit Swedish ... t-shirts. That shirt needs to build a time machine and get back to the dude that sang "The Never-Ending Story." He's probably missing it.
I'll let you know when the gub'mint sees its way clear to allowing Axel Willner into the country. Sigh.
I feel like M.I.A. should just swoop in and play a show in place of anyone who gets denied a visa.
M.I.A. got back together? That's cool, they were one of the best of the original So Cal punk bands. I saw them open for Naked Raygun in '86 in Chicago.
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