Cupid's Head is a dark, exquisitely detailed album that rewards patience and further cements the Field's reputation as one of modern electronic music's most satisfying auteurs.
The record may have lost his signature dancefloor roots, but they have been replaced by something more organic, natural and more physical.
In true form and fashion, Willner does here what he does best: simple and sustained loops, adorned with ambient, yet natural brush strokes of distorted vocals and other cloudy sounds.
With six expansive tracks spread out over 54 minutes, Cupid's Head is an engulfing effort that wholly submerges the listener in Willner's trademark loops and hypnotic effects.
Cupid's Head has the ability to conjure visions of grotesque dystopian machinations, bleak greyscale urban landscapes and the shadowy recesses of a world akin to that in Blade Runner. It's an evocative record.
Meant to be consumed in a hazy darkness, each of the record’s tracks make for one emotionally-colored plate of a mouthwatering six-course (risotto-based) meal.
Cupid’s Head is hardly designed for immediate, cursory consumption but instead makes thorough and purposeful demands of its audience. Yet Willner is more than prepared to reward any investment of faith and time.
While it may take until the next album for these darker elements to be as rewardingly complex as Wilner can be, it’s still an immersive trip.
This offers another slight change from Willner's past -- enough to maintain perked attention from listeners in love with his sound, while those who are less enamored won't hear enough that distinguishes it from any other Field album.
I know it's been said a lot, but Axel Willner's production is as ethereal as it gets. "Black Sea" in particular is as good as it gets.
Rich, gorgeous, dark, heavy, cinematic, relentless. Quite frankly the record can overwhelm on the first listen, but it has something new to say each time.
I know it's been said a lot, but Axel Willner's production is as ethereal as it gets. "Black Sea" in particular is as good as it gets.
1 | They Won't See Me 9:01 | |
2 | Black Sea 11:37 | |
3 | Cupid's Head 6:34 | |
4 | A Guided Tour 8:16 | |
5 | No. No... 9:02 | |
6 | 20 Seconds of Affection 9:39 |
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