Field Day - Lack In Me

Field Day 

Lack In Me
self-released; 2014

3.3 out of 5

By Jamie Funk

Field Day is a four-piece punk band comprised of Taylor Huston (vocals/guitar), Andrew Albornoz (guitar), Isaiah Mendez (bass) and Ian Manness (drums). They recently released a four-song EP entitled Lack In Me, which veers toward ‘90s pop punk such as Greenday and The Offspring. The songs are simplistic, revolving around power chords and catchy vocal melodies. Lack In Me doesn’t display much technical wizardry that you would see from a punk band like NOFX but it does contain solid songwriting. The band’s strengths are in their being able to write a catchy melody that usually comes from the vocals. Huston carries the songs with his knack to deliver aesthetically pleasing vocal work. 

The first track “Beautiful Things” follows the criteria for pop punk 101. Nevertheless the song works and fills a hole that didn’t necessarily need refilling. The guitar swells with a thick coat of distortion as the drums create the energy and the bass basically follows the root notes. One thing I have to give them credit for is they got the sound right. The production is tight all around and lacks the typical pitfalls you see coming from independent artists.

“Catch me” slows down the BPM a bit as Houston sings about teenage turmoil. He sings, “she’s shining a light that cannot reach me she’s searching for room too dark to see but she won't catch me.” The song is well done and solidifies that the band can write a pop song.

“Give” has some of that ‘90s flavor. I felt a bit of influence from Weezer this time around. They close with their best song entitled “Finally See.” The guitar riffs were inventive and Huston delivers his most versatile and dynamic vocal performance.

Field Day is a bunch of young guys making music that will appeal to a younger audience. Guys and gals who were born in the mid ‘60s and brought up on classic rock won't gravitate towards this music. This will have some appeal to people born in the early ‘80s and the most appeal to those born after the late 80’s. There are of course exceptions but I’d bet a cold Bourbon County Stout on those odds. All things said this is a pretty solid EP. 

Become A Fan

bandcamp

Tweet