23 Fields – Berlin (2024)
Some of the most exciting things in this world are discovered by accident and this is the case with 23 Fields. Serendipitously formed after a chance meeting over a haircut, Step Adams (vocals and guitar), Jason M Smith (drums and percussion) and Louise Driver (violin) began creating a unique brand of folk. Inspired by life, love and humanity in totality, 23 Fields releases intimate singles from family relationships to political instability. While the artists have over two decades of experience in the music industry, 23 Fields made their debut in 2023 and their sophisticated sound is already turning heads across the globe. From South Africa to the UK, the USA and France, the threesome is establishing itself internationally, and we’re not complaining.
Following their debut album The World Is Raining, ‘Berlin’ is the second track on the sophomore album To Follow This Year’s Fashion. Sauntering through various styles of folk in To Follow This Year’s Fashion, ‘Berlin’ inserts a flit of indie-rock into vintage folk with an Americana twirl. Unlike the softer tracks like ‘Summer Life’ and ‘Isla’s Lines’, the jovial bounce of the tune offers a jaunty brashness; however, the sassiness of the single swirls about with the mellifluous folk existing throughout the album.
Overall, ‘Berlin’ is a soul-stirring, foot-stomping experience, but each instrument demands attention before melding into the harmonic symphony. Adams’ acoustic guitar encapsulates gritty rawness while Smith’s percussion weaves in and out with a bold sliver of sonic light. For me, it is Louise Driver’s violin that brings something special to ‘Berlin’. Her silvery strings croon and caress, yet simultaneously fluttering fragile melancholy. Add Adams’ raspy vocals and you have a single that stings but also calms in its intensity.
To Follow This Year’s Fashion “pulls in influences from a wide range of culture, music, and life…the result is a project…that will resonate with audiences through its personal human base.” In ‘Berlin’, 23 Fields grab at the heart of humanity showing the beauty of simplicity in a dark, desperate and complex society.
In addition to the single, 23 Fields has released a live music video for ‘Berlin’. You can view the video below or on their YouTube channel.
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This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
Listen to more indie-folk tunes on The Other Side Reviews Indie Folk playlist:
