Field of Reeds
by These New Puritans
  • Record Label: PIAS
  • Release Date: Mar 4, 2014
Metascore
82

Universal acclaim - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. New Musical Express (NME)
    Jun 10, 2013
    60
    Some of the album’s charms only emerge when you search hard for them, as on the disjointed gloom of ‘The Light In Your Name’ or the dankness of ‘Spiral’, and there are a few ponderous cold spots.
  2. The Independent (UK)
    Jun 10, 2013
    60
    The Talk Talk of their era.
  3. The Observer (UK)
    Jun 10, 2013
    60
    Another challenging but ultimately rewarding listen.

Awards & Rankings

73
#73 Best Album of 2014

User Reviews

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User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 44 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 44
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 44
  3. Negative: 2 out of 44
  1. Bestpony
    Jul 22, 2013
    9
    It's a staggeringly fearless record, one that follows only its own dream logic and dares you to keep up. It really is a field of reeds, andIt's a staggeringly fearless record, one that follows only its own dream logic and dares you to keep up. It really is a field of reeds, and getting lost in it is a disorienting but strangely serene experience.… Full Review »
  2. DingusDingoDung
    Jun 11, 2013
    10
    I have enjoyed this album as much as it is possible to enjoy an album. With every listen it gets better, I don't know how they do it, butI have enjoyed this album as much as it is possible to enjoy an album. With every listen it gets better, I don't know how they do it, but it's incredible. So F**king moving, but also so f**king confounding This should not be, but it is. 10/10… Full Review »
  3. cheesepoof420
    Jun 11, 2013
    9
    Expectations are only a burden if you allow them to be. When I initially listened to "Hidden" in 2010, I was immediately hypnotized byExpectations are only a burden if you allow them to be. When I initially listened to "Hidden" in 2010, I was immediately hypnotized by "Time-Xone". I was unsure of what I was hearing, which made it enticing. Of course, all of the hype was instigating my curiosity. I wish I would have discovered Hidden unexpectedly. I was astonished by the music, the meaning of the lyrics came later. "Hidden" blew my mind. It was the music I dreamed of creating. My anticipation for "Field of Reeds" has been unbearable, but I can honestly say that TNP have constructed something that I cannot even begin to understand.

    I Listened to the album for the first time last night. Start to finish, on a high-quality tube amp sound system.
    My heart raced, my eyes watered, and my mind quenched for more when it was through. Every song has a deep purpose. There are subtle similarities found within each track that references the others which leads me to believe that there is a possibility of syncing tracks simultaneously. The explanation of the lyrics will come later when the Vinyl is delivered to my house. I have difficulty hearing some of the lyrics, I will need the lyrics that come with the Vinyl to help me follow along track by track. With "Hidden", each layer of lyrics unveiled itself at a very lethargic pace. While the music was furious, and eccentric, the lyrics were a mere whisper. Truth is, the lyrics are the most pro-founding aspect of "Hidden". There were no wasted words, and every phrase down to the syllable count vicariously echoed the meaning of the songs. I was floored by the level of Genius.
    "Field of Reeds" is eloquent, patient, and transcending. "there is something there" The flow of the songs free falls from your brain to your spine. You can feel the music. Body trembling bass notes, unique time signatures, and chill tingling trumpets fill your head, until the album ends and you are left, confused, baffled even. I would recommend this album to none, for discovery of a gem is much more satisfying than another's opinion leading you to it.

    I have now listened to "Field of Reeds" two times through. I have noticed that when the album finishes its course, the faint piano of "The Way I Do" begins to play in my head, almost as if it is beckoning me to listen again. While I can understand that few people have probably experienced this same revelation, the music on this album sticks with you. The quality of this music, is found in the person behind it.    … Full Review »
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