Folly Fields

Originally posted on May 19, 2014:

          It's hard to think of much else from the 90's rock music scene except for grunge.  Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and numerous others dominated the musical landscape.  Very few noticed the great departure from grunge that is indie folk rock.  It isn't a genre that gets much attention, even today.  Having popped up in the 90's as an underground movement, it was never fully recognized amidst the hype of the grunge explosion and, later, teen pop.  In its most basic form, it's a mixture of country/folk music from the 50's, 60's, and 70's and the indie rock of the late 80's and 90's.  It is, however, very important that you don't let any of what I just said turn you off to the indie folk rock band that is Folly Fields. 

          Folly Fields hails from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  The band is comprised of 6 members; Ally Leedy (Lead Vocals/Guitar), Nathan Wissler (Lead Guitar), Aaron Foltz (Drums), Justin Hollinger (Bass), Andrew Yang (Violin), and Megan Jackson (Keyboard/Korig/Backing Vocals).  Started in 2011 under the name Wendish, Folly Fields have released a debut EP (Autumn Elixir) and, more recently, their first full-length album (Limbs and Longings).  They have produced a 'radio-ready' album, in my opinion, that will be sure to captivate.

Folly Field's new album "Limbs and Longings"

          Being that the album is so well put together, with little (if any) filler material, it is difficult to pick a selection of songs to talk about, however, the first track (Double Decker Bus) is exemplary of the band.  It begins with a piano fill and sporadic staccato notes played on the violin.  It then seamlessly transitions into a light, airy guitar chord progression backed by a steady drum beat.  Then comes Folly Field's greatest asset, Ally Leedy's breathy, smokey voice.  There is a certain quality to her voice that mesmerizes the listener and puts them at ease.  Her tonal quality is especially apparent when she harmonizes with guest contributor Greg Bolles and band member Megan Jackson.  The song closes out with Leedy repeating the chorus and Bolles repeating, in the background, "Tonight".  It is also important to note that the vocals on much of the album, especially at the end of this track, have a quality about them that makes them sound like they are being run through vintage 'tape and tube' recording equipment.

          My personal favorite track is When Will You Lay Me Down.  It begins with an acoustic chord progression that moves to the background when Andrew Yang's honeyed violin enters.  In the background of all of this, there is a very soft percussion beat that continues throughout the song.  Again, Leedy's voice trances the listener.  Her voice holds immense power and emotion, while being relatively quiet.  Yang's violin is the perfect accompaniment for Leedy's voice as they serve to set the real mood of the song.  The overall song's tone conjures up images of sitting on a porch on a summer night with family and friends, while staring into a field of glittering fireflies. 

Ally Leedy and Justin Hollinger Serenading A Crowd

       Another important aspect of the bands music are their lyrics, written by Ally Leedy.  They are not only deep and engaging, but tell a story.  In When Will You Lay Me Down, the lyrics deal with being on the road and seeing the U.S. in a very real way.  Lyrics like "I've been traveling for a long time...Looking out the side window and dreaming..." and "...it's been miles and miles and days and days/I've seen the Grand Canyon and serenades of gypsy children..." paint vivid pictures of what the band is trying to express.

          Folly Fields have taken a relatively niche genre of rock and created music that not only captivates a broader scope of listeners, but would also sound right at home on the radio.  You can hear their impressive new album at their Bandcamp page (http://wendish.bandcamp.com/album/limbs-and-longings).  Also be sure to check out their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/follyfieldsband).  Folly Fields, WE SALUTE YOU!

Thank you for visiting my blog and reading this review.  Please feel free to comment on this article about whatever you feel like (suggestions, what you think of the band, etc...).  If you would like to contact me for any reason, check out the 'Contact' tab above.  Have a nice day and rock on!