Plowing Into the Field of Love
by Iceage
  • Record Label: Matador
  • Release Date: Oct 7, 2014
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 21 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 0 out of 21
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  1. The Guardian
    Oct 3, 2014
    60
    In otherwise safe-as-houses 2014, it’s refreshing to find a young band channelling such influences into such a gloriously untamed row.
  2. Q Magazine
    Nov 13, 2014
    40
    Full marks for envelope-pushing, but this third album is very much an acquired taste. [Dec 2014, p.110]
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  3. Clash Music
    Oct 15, 2014
    40
    There are some surprising hooks amongst predominantly ugly arrangements, and its ambition is admirable, but Plowing… proves woefully lacking in coherency, and fails as its makers’ next evolution.

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User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 44 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 51
  3. Negative: 4 out of 51
  1. Alskiz
    Oct 14, 2014
    9
    Iceage continue their sonic assault with their musically ambitious third album. Hinted at with 'Morals' on last year's fantastic 'You'reIceage continue their sonic assault with their musically ambitious third album. Hinted at with 'Morals' on last year's fantastic 'You're Nothing', 'Plowing..' sees the band use a buffet of dense instrumentation. Each is used to spooky affect, 'Forever' uses horn to give the song an unforgiving, then playful atmosphere while Abundant Living is actually driven by quirky traditional instruments. What separates this from 'indie with traditional instruments, just because' is its willingness to support the key identity of Iceage. The band are still angry, punky and on 'The Lord's Favouite', humorous. The instrumentation becomes a new reason to listen to an already committed and vital modern day band.… Full Review »
  2. All_ButTrU4
    Nov 19, 2022
    9
    My favorite iceage record is also one of their quietest. Following their lound explosive debut "New Brigade" or it's sophomore sequel thoughMy favorite iceage record is also one of their quietest. Following their lound explosive debut "New Brigade" or it's sophomore sequel though just as furious a bit more pensive, "Plowing into fields of love" is an ambitious disruption. From the gorgeous lead singles that double as album highlights in a record flooded with them to the enigmatic though spontaneous spartan cover art. "On my fingers" the brutal opener sets the tone by not only introducing a fuller version of what they had only hinted to on "You're Nothing " but also the improved emphasis on songwriting that would elevate this amongst some of the best of the 2010's. " the lords favorite " one of the standout singles takes a depraved look into the delirium of obsession with Elias Bender Rønnenfelt voice being pushed to its brink in what can only be compared to as a howl. Iceage though wholly singular do invoke 90's nick cave and the bad seeds not only in their despair but in their cynicism even in the face of love such as the frustrated "How Many"which complains of meaningless night outs and drunkenness when one person who loves you and warm couch to cuddle in would be better spent. It's kinda pitiful in it's longing but never too earnest. It was also the song i discovered Iceage with back in 2017 so it holds an important space in my heart. What also made this album so exciting was the exploration of new instruments within their perfected punk sound such as the horns that ambush my favorite song on the record ,"Forever" ,crazed outro. Pianos sound sharper,horns louder and drums faster. This magnum opus sits comfortably amongst the best of the swans,deafhaven, the clash etc and is arguably a milestone in modern punk music. It's unbelievably consistent and despite its lyrics soaked in despair it's a euphoric drunken rave i just never want to end .… Full Review »
  3. jyo_tirmaya
    Nov 20, 2014
    10
    Oh God, who would have thought that Iceage would get this good. This album and some Iceage You Tube footage I've seen of them performingOh God, who would have thought that Iceage would get this good. This album and some Iceage You Tube footage I've seen of them performing lately on this latest album is on par with Swans, Jim Morrison. ...any great doom and gloom band. Lead singer is like goth-hero Rozz Williams. He's very good looking, charismatic and his performance style and lyrics are all hitting a peak. Here's hoping he doesn't get too depressed from all the success like some other band leaders have done. I don't know if an album captures the intensity. See them live next time they come to your town!… Full Review »
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