Editor’s Note: Thanks to NYC Dads Group member, Colby Trane, for reviewing the latest CD from The Nields, “The Full Catastrophe.” Check out The Nields live this Sunday, April 22 at 11AM at 92Y Tribeca’s BYOK show .
For people who find it hard to encapsulate the emotional ups and downs of child rearing, folk duo Nerissa and Katryna Nields have mapped their artistic view of “The Full Catastrophe.” The album tackles rarely canonized subjects such as the necessary mirage of a couples trip sans children and worrying about loving your offspring too much.
Sonically, the music is rooted in the folk tradition. The Nields have developed over a couple of decades. The album starts strong with a couple of radio friendly tracks (“Ten Year Tin” / “Back at the Fruit Tree”) that speak directly to a Parent-centric audience; for who hasn’t wanted to “leave the kids with someone vaguely competent” and get away. The more somber tracks (“Good Times Are Here” / “Your House Is Strong”) tend toward the melodramatic and overplayed themes of this particular genre. Though even in these moments, the lyrical sincerity
helps pull the listener through and gives the album a unique quality.
If you’re a folk fan and a parent this album is for you. The sister’s harmonies are ever present and feel well worn and comfortable and the periodic banjo and driving melodies will get your little ones dancing. For everyone else there is “The Number One Reason That Parents Are
Cranky” – a must hear novelty that will put a smile on any parent’s face. It’s wonderful to hear an album so honestly pulled from the raw material of average adult life.
Colby Trane is a music supervisor who lives in New York with his wife and son. His credits include “The Good Heart” with Paul Dano and Brian Cox and the upcoming films “Unicorns” and “Almost Perfect.”
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