FORMILES - Firefields

FORMILES

Firefields
self-released; 2015

3.8 out of 5

By Matt Jensen

When the word “post-rock” is brought up most people think of long drawn out instrumental pieces, which lack any vocals. The three-piece band FORMILES comprised of Jack Forsey (guitars/lead vocals), Samuel Patterson (drums/vocals) and Dougie Walters (bass/vocals) are throwing that part about lack of vocals out the window and melding genres like alternative, hard rock and post-rock into one glorious concoction. The thing that is so gratifying about their EP FIREFIELDS is that it feels seamless and effortless. Forsey is picking his parts as to when to sing but it never feels contrived. The songs lack a traditional chorus but still contain memorable melodies. 

The EP starts with “SOSAYSI” which is an exceptional song. At first it covers you with a warm pad, drums and bass. The guitar glosses over the instrumentation with white noise. Forsey makes his presence known by belting out the first verse, “You creep in again and i have no choice as i watch you wash over me. I long to walk away from this and embrace the silence beyond.” Comparisons can be made to Local Natives in regards to some of the vocal harmonies. 

“SOSAYSI” starts off engaging yet predictable but starts to deviate about halfway through. Instead of exploding into a chorus the band goes soft and ethereal with an effective deviation. Without a whole lot of warning the band gets as intense as Queens of The Stone Age and engages in straightforward hard rock. As the song progresses there were a number of twists and turns, which made me take notice. 

The band interjects a fifty-second interlude entitled “OVERLOOK” which is an ambient piece. It was a simple yet effective segue to “FIREFIELDS” which comes out of the gate rocking. The eight-plus-minute song is just as successful as “SOSAYSI” at melding post-rock tendencies with more traditional alternative/pop song structure. There are some great guitars and vocal parts on this song and I discovered that some of the band’s finest moments are sometimes their most subtle. Take for instance about five minutes in when Forsey’s vocals soar behind an atmospheric background. The song concludes with some intense rocking till it breaks and slowly comes to an end.

FORMILES is a band to look out for. There are on to something with their approach and style but quite haven't perfected it yet. I have a feeling their best work is still ahead of them. That being said FIREFIELDS is not something you want to pass on as the songs are certainly impactful and well-written.

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