Killing Fields of Ontario - The Shock of the Sparks

  by Carl Bookstein

published: 12 / 11 / 2010

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Theirs is folk music that rocks. Originating in Sheffield, Killing Fields of Ontario release their debut album 'The Shock of the Sparks'. Classic pastoral folk is a base here, but this is also a diverse assortment of songs that covers a range of tempos. Killing Fields of Ontario includes Tom Brewster, Stuart Kempster, Jim Brooks and Dave Loffman. The opener 'Tired of Being a Man' is a great and promising start to the album - a country inflected blend of bluegrass and folk. With banjo and acoustic guitar in the forefront, this is folk music that roars, packing a powerful punch. The album’s lyrics reflect thoughtfully about the struggles of both God and man. “I’ve got all the right parts, but I’ve got the wrong frame of mind.” The lyrics on 'The Shock of the Sparks' are insightful and at times just a bit quirky as well. Meanwhile the music creates something of a wall of folk sound. 'Falling Man' possesses lovely mandolin work and a spiritual lyrical bend: “You fall so gracefully/You fall into the arms of the Lord and he’ll catch you before you go.” 'Handful of Dust' features fine appealing vocals by Tom Brewster, and a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation that hits the listener straight up. 'Single Rose' shifts the album’s primary acoustic focus into an all out electric rocker. The more melodic folk tunes are nevertheless the album’s greatest strength. 'Memory Lane' which includes some fine slide guitar work by Stuart Kempster, returns the album to its comforting folk focused tone. On 'Broken Flowers' Brewster sings about broken dreams and changing tides. It is a stripped down number- easy and appealing with simple wisdom: “Trust your heart/Trust your head.” 'White Noise' includes cello and violins as well as the signature mandolin. The multi instrumental acoustic music here is both shimmering and meditative. “White noise surround me now/Calm those seas and black out that sun.” 'What Kind of Day Has It Been?' is a compelling tune that reflects on enduring the tumbling tides of life and coming to the resolution that “what’s done is done.” With 'Dionysus', Killing Fields of Ontario close the album with an up tempo rocker. The strength of 'The Shock of Sparks' remains folk- rich folk music turned up in force and passion to an impressive degree.

Track Listing:-

1 Tired Of Being A Man
2 Needy
3 Falling Man
4 Handful Of Dust
5 Breathe
6 Single Rose
7 Memory Lane
8 Broken Flowers
9 The Performance
10 White Noise
11 What Kind Of Day Has It Been?
12 Dionysus

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