She might be based in Perth now, but Fields’ music beats with an Irish heart. There’s a little Celtic yodel in her vocals and an intensity in the acoustic guitars anchoring half the tracks that takes me to Ireland. It’s no accident that her new EP is called Gracefield Avenue, after the Dublin street she grew up on. That title track is a beautiful nostalgic snapshot of youth which builds to a stirring stomp-along climax. It sets the scene for an EP that doesn’t shy away from sharing the artist’s story.
“Promises” is heart-breakingly raw as Fields’ reminisces about a relationship gone wrong. Her vocals are always on point, but they’re so strong here. You can hear her pain with every note.
I got to know “Neverland” when it was released as a single last year. I’m so glad this unique song has earned a place here. The EP provides a fantastic opportunity to revisit this unique song, which moves from a haunting delicate ditty to a frenetic acoustic-guitar that sweeps the listener up in its romance.
“Like That” showcases Fields at her most exposed, both musically and lyrically. With a sparse piano accompaniment and a small choir of angelic backing vocalists for support, her story of feeling love for someone, but not the romantic kind, is so affecting.
I’ve always appreciated Fields’ ethereal vocals, but with this release she’s shown some serious song writing chops. It’s an intimate, emotionally powerful EP that takes just four songs to make a real impression. See Fields showcasing songs from Gracefield Avenue at the following gigs here and abroad.
29 June 2019 – Stop the Violence, Sunflowers for Cara fundraiser, Burlington Hotel, Bunbury
3 August 2019 – The Workman’s Club, Dublin
Image used with permission from Firestarter Music