Fitting for the album to open with “A Place You Return to in a Dream” because there’s a cool, effusive fuzzy guitar hook and then the entire album proceeds to put you in a blissful reverie state. Dreamy pop that I play again and again. It’s easy to get caught up in the mesmerizing shoegazing hazy chords with vocalist/guitarist Rachel Browne’s euphonious blurred vocals woven throughout.

Browne formed Field Mouse in 2010 as a duo with producer/guitarist Andrew Futral then they expanded into a four-piece with the addition of bassist Saysha Heinzman and drummer Tim McCoy. Field Mouse beautifully infuses edgy hooks with subtler elements. So there’s the darkness and light combination that’s so compelling if you think of bands like Lush, Curve or Swervedriver.

“Tomorrow is Yesterday” has a grooving bass riff. Browne’s vocals sound a bit like Letters to Cleo’s Kay Hanley, sweet yet storied. Staggering edgy guitar, blurrier lilting vocals and a hypnotic melody on “Two Ships.” Speed picks up on “Everyone but You.” This is a talented band creating indie pop deliciousness with near-perfection. Closing track “Water in the Valley” is bittersweet and lulling with guitar feedback. Spot-on. This is one of my favorite albums of the year.

Hold Still Life
Topshelf Records
release date: July 22, 2014

–review by Amy Steele

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