Field of Stone opens with the crackling of vinyl before careening into a rich saxophone solo that kicks off the soulful pop-rocker “Something We Knew As Love.” About 40 seconds in, Mike “Mutter” Slater’s warm vocals take over, and you’ll no doubt be mesmerized for the next 45 minutes.
For those unfamiliar with Slater, he was the frontman and flute player for the British prog-folk-psych-rock band Stackridge. Today, he sounds like a slightly happier Jim Morrison -- especially on the melancholic “Losing It,” which chronicles a very bad week, and the mysterious title track (punctuated by Chris Cleaver’s simmering guitar and another killer sax solo, courtesy of Clive Ashley). The album's highlight, though, has got to be “Caroline Moon,” which sounds like Chicago Transit Authority.
On the third album featuring his own eponymous band, Slater relies on a strong background in blues, soul, R&B and rock. Granted, the second half of Field of Stone takes a dip in quality compared to the first half, save for the bouncy and upbeat “You’re the Reason.” Nevertheless, this is compelling and melodic stuff -- music with a lived-in vibe made by a man who’s paid his dues.
Track Listing:
1. Something We Knew As Love
2. Field of Stone
3. Caroline Motion
4. Losing It
5. Love Is the Stranger
6. Folding
7. Weird Kid
8. You’re the Reason
9. There’s a Wall…
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