Cool but not pretentious
Blue Collar | Murfreesboro, TN | 04/11/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Shipping News are a Louisville band composed of members who contibuted heavily to that scene (therefore contributing to the evolution of all independent rock) throughout the '90s. This album, their fourth full-length (but third proper "album"), represents the natural progression of musicians who don't rock for the establishment and never did. These guys are real artists.
That being said, Flies the Fields is a much more focused and mature effort. The prog aspects of the music are toned down some, but are still potent enough to grab your attention.
This is the kind of album that grows on you. I wasn't so instantly impressed with this as I was with their first, Save Everything, but the songwriting skill and instrumental prowess are delicious and immediately gratifying. After having savored it for a couple of weeks, it has become my favorite Shipping News album. Very interesting and solid."