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29 January 2004
Field Trip, Field Trip (Stargazer Music)
After many live shows had audiences clamoring for some product, Field Trip finally has released a debut 4-song EP of melodic power pop. Cord Weiss is the creative force behind Field Trip. The former member of Atlanta's Star Collector has written these songs, sings lead and background vocals and handles guitars and percussion. Produced and engineered by Ron Haney and Bart Schoudel of The Churchills, these four songs pack quite a bit of sonic fun, with plenty of guitar-driven jangle, harmonies galore and rhythmic punch. "Into You" is about that kind of strong love that obsessively takes over one's everything: "I really didn't want to find somebody new / I tried to hide behind another lame excuse / I didn't want to go / Until I laid it down and gave it all to you." Lush strong harmonies rule the day here, as befits a pretty love song. The flip side of happy love follows with "Coulda Been," a post punk reaction to having been hurt in a bad relationship: "My head is hanging down / it feels like I haven't felt good in days / I know you never cared / I know you were just scared / And now that it's too late, it's alright / You're just a coulda been." In "Glitter," we learn about concerns going into a relationship, seeking that delicate balance of communication and allowing for each other's needs: "If I could turn the world and take it in my hand / I would break the hourglass and give you all the sand / I'm gonna do my best / Will you do the same?" Closing this quartet of songs is the audience pleaser "Angelina Jolie," a celebration of the pillow-lipped tomb raider of the big screen. Asking her to be his girlfriend, Mr. Weiss wants to know what she saw in that Billy-Bob anyway: "With big lips and big tattoos / you're all attitude / You're graced with everything that's holy / I'm waiting for you, Angelina Jolie." The rocking guitar and harmonies recall a Fountains of Wayne sound. These four fun and sweetly rocking Field Trip songs are a powerful teaser for things to come. Let's hope the year ahead brings us a full-length release from this up and coming NYC band that promises never to take themselves too seriously.
— Gary Glauber
.: posted by Editor 9:31 AM
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