This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive.
By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, April 2005
The self-released debut EP from City Field is a great sampling of what might become a great band. The band features Gregg Millman (vocals & guitar), Mitchell Wiebe (vocals), Brent Randall (bass, keys & vocals), Dave Ewenson (drums) and Matt Murphy (guitar & vocals).
This six song EP stands out because of Millman, Murphy and Wiebe’s harmonies. Wiebe, formerly of Soaking Up Jagged, when singing with Millman are very reminiscent of The B-52s, which to me is not a strong endorsement. Having never liked The B-52s I cannot quite understand why I like this EP. Perhaps it’s the additional level of the sweet voice of Matt Murphy, formerly of The Flashing Lights and The Super Friendz. The three voices work beautifully together to create a great atmosphere for the songs.
Opening with “Detached Mind,” obviously B-52 influenced, a power-pop song that gets the album off to a great start with it’s catchy tune and easy to sing to lyrics.
“Stage Whispers” is the perfect song for a long drive alone or sitting on a bus staring out the window. Its mellow attitude and slow, steady beat close the album perfectly and leave you excited to see what they have in store for a full length album.
After the disappointing Super Friendz reunion album Love Energy, it’s good to see Murphy back in form. However, Authentic City isn’t as strong as any of his early work with The Super Friendz or The Flashing Lights.
This hard to find EP is available at Soundscapes in Toronto.