The Old Haunts

Fallow Field

(Kill Rock Stars)

Record Review by Michele Fair

Kill Rock Stars has always had an impressive roster; bands like Unwound, Sleater-Kinney, and Deerhoof serve (or served) as brilliant anchors for the Olympia, Washington label.  Luckily for them, The Old Haunts have joined the brigade.  Their first full-length album, Fallow Field, is a mission of non-stop rock that hits you with pinpoint precision from the moment the play button is pressed.  The album is awash with marching drumbeats, bouncing (yet powerful) guitar, and vocals that sear your brain with an almost nasal yet unwavering confidence.

The opening track, “By The Bay,” immediately kicks your ass into oblivion with absolute disregard.  From that point on, each and every track is an unabashed and unexpected varying combination of keyboard/piano, driving deep guitars, and excellent drumming.  The indisputable standout track is “The Old World,” which really proves that The Old Haunts are capable of more than just rocking, and can integrate beauty and thoughtful songwriting into their music.  Although lyrically lacking as a whole, the music on Fallow Field speaks for itself on every single song, and “The Old World” exemplifies this.  You very well may forget what lead singer Craig Extine is saying, and tend to pay more attention to his vocal style and the playing of his bandmates.

Fallow Field urges the listener to ponder what this band would be like live.  It’s difficult not to imagine what the band was doing in the studio, because the recording is not only excellent, but the exactness of the music is almost flawless.  The Old Haunts are primed and ready to become Kill Rock Stars' next anchoring band.