Swedish Psychedelic rock band, Melody Fields released two albums last year. The first of the two, 1901, is a great blend of classic ’60s psychedelic, shoegaze, and experimental landscapes.
Starting off the album is the powerful opening track “Going Back”. With a rolling “Tomorrow Never knows” drum line, solid baseline, and eastern hook to catch your attention. This psych raga track also has lots of the albums signature three part male/female vocal blends which sounds divine.
The second track and first single, “Jesus” has a big horn/saxophone riff creating a gospel/rock vibe. One of the best tracks on the album, it creates a “Big Heaven” sound, with the looping riff that I’m sure sounds amazing played live.
“Rave on” is another great vocal blend in the band’s signature style for this album. Little experimental interlude tracks are sprinkled throughout, expanding the time of the album to an LP length, showing more the electronic and experimental side of the band.
“Transatlantic” has a shoegaze swirl-type instrumental with hypnotic processed djembe drums, evoking an underworld dance party in the tombs. “Home at Last” is a little faster-paced song with more eastern riffs to penetrate the mind.
“In Love,” is the closest track to a traditionally structured song with a verse/chorus, ending with a wicked sonic overload guitar solo that pulls no punches. “Mayday” is a more mellow closing track with organ, evoking a soulful reflective end to the record and musical journey.
Guest musicians from the band Goat, Holy Wave, and Al Lover all help give the record a very dense and sonically pleasing soundscape. Their companion record 1991 could almost be seen as the second half of the double album, and should be listened to back-to-back. There seems to be alternative and remixed dance and dub versions of some familiar melodies and songs from 1901. With tracks reminiscent of Brian Jonestown Massacre, My Bloody Valentine, and Spiritualized, the band carries the torch of dreamgaze and modern psychedelic into the 21st century. Melody Fields is one of the best bands to come out of Sweden in the 21st century.
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