RENNY FIELD – THE ARENA
A glance at the cover of this album reveals a rather Gilmour-esque down-turned face, his cranium opened up like an eggshell, hollowed into a Greek amphitheatre. From this evocative graphic we can only assume that the music contained therein is a window into the inner workings of Renny Field’s sombre existence. Upon listening, it’s not the introspective exploration you might expect – Field’s parlour guitar and remarkably dexterous voice are warm and soulful, and the lilting resolve of Iron Will has a curiously ennobling effect. To use an appropriate cliche, Field is a songwriter’s songwriter – his lyrics drive the purpose of the songs home, melodies supporting but never overshadowing the effect of his text. At times his thoughts are depicted with brazen honesty and overt sentimentalism – from the charmingly free Flying to the dirge of Wheel of Fortune wherein he chants; “The scars lie within, you got to search your soul for the healing to begin”. In his own persuasive way, Field has got his message across with pleasing simplicity. This is the arena of a troubled young mind – ably depicted in music and poetry.
***1/2
