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As we get tons of mail about new music, it's really refreshing to dig out a record that has some serious promise. Singer-songwriter Field Days (neé Patrick Damphier) is channeling many of his multi-talented peers on this record (Iron & Wine and Ben Folds come to mind immediately), and the result is a collection of dynamic acoustic tunes.
The album opener "Half Past Tennessee" is a wonderful one, as it sets the tone for a warm and clean production value that holds consistent throughout the record. Damphier reportedly used a 4-track reel-to-reel in his parents' basement, and the devotion to the old-school technology pays off. Rhythmically, the track moves well, hooks the ear early, and redeems the listener with beautiful vocal harmonies. The voices return on the subdued and painful ballad "Polar Opposites", alongside a quieter fingerpicking track and well-placed kick drum.
Most tunes on Projector have an advanced sense of composition, perhaps one that comes from working with a more limited recording setup. Whether the slower-pace affords Damphier time to consider the construction of each song with a more critical eye, or even if he's had the structure in mind the whole time, we are treated to a well-crafted album.
Continued after the hop, with tour dates and a sweet video.
