7inch Sunday: Field Mouse – How Do You Know

7inch Sunday is a segment devoted entirely to 7” vinyl and the all-encompassing experience surrounding it. Although most publications cover major releases, the vinyl single is often overlooked and given nothing more than a half-hearted nod of acknowledgement. This weekly feature is a hub for 7” reviews, exploring the B-sides and rarities of artists that may often go unnoticed.

Each Sunday I will review 7” vinyl from artists who venture this extra mile to hold their singles high above the sea of digital releases. I hope to embody the spirit of vinyl while sharing some fantastic music with you, the reader. Let’s get started.

For the last segment of 2012, we’re focusing on another artist from the Lefse Records series: Field Mouse. The Brooklyn-based dreampop quartet recently released a new 45 featuring “How Do You Know” and “Falling.” Feeding our desire for all that dreampop can provide, the tracks capture an ethereal essence that flirts around the lines of innocence and tranquility.

The cover of the record, a sun-damaged photograph of a young girl sitting in a field, is reminiscent of Line & Circle’s artwork for Roman Ruins and ushers feelings of a dark, somewhat mysterious serenity that is challenging to pinpoint. It is as uneasy as it is comforting, a characteristic akin to the group’s complex sound.

“How Do You Know,” the A-side of the single, is prodded along by the vocal craft of Rachel Browne, whose effortless singing reassures the non-abrasive instrumentation that floats throughout the backdrop. It’s a beautiful song that avoids prying too much for our attention and instead approaches with a gentle touch that slowly coaxes us with an atmospheric intrigue.

The B-side of the record, “Falling” is a cover of the theme song from Twin Peaks. Yes, by Twin Peaks we mean the iconic cult-classic 90s drama created by the king of weird, David Lynch. And yes, by theme song we mean the unforgettable instrumental composed by Angelo Badalamenti, Lynch’s musical right hand. While Field Mouse creates their own original take on the work, the theme is undoubtedly prevalent throughout each swell of the music. The product is a mesmerizing soundscape that lends homage to a Badalamenti work that sounds coincidentally more like dreampop than its contemporaries.

Check back next week for our Best of 7inch Sunday feature!

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