Search - High Dials :: Fields in Glass

Glassy "fields"

E. A Solinas | MD USA | 08/18/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The High Dials charmed listeners from the start of their debut -- energetic, melodic 60's-influenced pop. Very cheerful, very pretty, and very entertaining, it was one of those albums that can be easily set on repeat.



The EP "Fields in Glass" is taken from their debut album "A New Devotion," but doesn't quite measure up to their first full-length. It's a little too scattered and rough, with three different mixes of one song, two new B-sides and one song from the original album.



That one song is "Things Are Getting Better," a dancey instrumental that takes most of its cues from a rousing horn section and some twisty tabla. It's joined by the psychedelic explosion of "City Rivers," a song which is overwhelmed by the searing riffs that bob in and out. Then that section is rounded off with the charmingly jangly "The House Where Trouble Sleeps."



Then there are three remixes of the song "Field in Glass." The radio mix is absolutely fine, a shifting pop melody that meanders pleasantly all over. But the Club Mix is not so great; it's given a harder electronic edge that clashes with the sunny sound. Then there's the Stained Glass Mix, which would be an acceptable remix if it were chopped down by three minutes.



The High Dials are one of those bands that shouldn't be remixed -- their songs are exceptional all on their own. And on the "Fields in Glass" EP, it's the remixes that keep it from being really great. On the original songs, without remixing or distortion, they show a remarkable skill with cycling guitars, shifting pop melodies, and psychedelic grandeur. The remixes just mess with their complex sound.



While the remixes are less than satisfactory, "Fields in Glass" is worth getting for the excellent original songs, as well as a taste of "New Devotion's" psychedelic sweetness. Recommended, but not the remixes."