Fever Fields explore love, grief and resilience in their debut EP, Love, Life and Tragic Comedy.

By Graeme Smith

The band of singer, songwriter and producer Duncan Allan, Fever Fields are a group that produce, in their own words, “folky sh*t.” That gives you some insight into their approach to music, which tempers emotional stories with the dark humour required to get through life.

Love, Life and Tragic Comedy tells the story of two soulmates who have sadly just lost their child and takes on the emotional weight of the topic without shying away from the rough parts. There is light among the darkness too, and ultimately we get a message of hope.

It’s the kind of story that can only be told from experience, and Duncan confesses that this is a deeply personal record. Unfolding over six tracks, things start ambiently with the sound of gentle waves in the EP’s opening title track. Delicate acoustic guitar creates atmosphere alongside horns and soulful vocals. Things build to a philosophical chorus that will have you hooked.

Duncan proves himself to be a wordsmith through the poetic, storytelling lyrics of each track. Sorrows Won’t Drown Themselves brightens things musically while introducing some nihilism with its lyrics. Light Years Away is a stripped-back, cosmic and devastating moment.

The second half of the EP gives us the growling I Know and the jangly, upbeat Seasons Change. Tulip Fever Fields closes things with a brassy, slow-burning number that plays out over six and a bit minutes. After a first half that has plenty of soul, it arrives at a lingering conclusion.

There is great power in personal storytelling, and Duncan and Fever Fields elevate theirs through some astute song writing and a glorious blend of instrumental that progress the modern folk genre. Their EP is a wonderfully stirring debut.

Love, Life and Tragic Comedy is out now and you can give it a listen below.