The Magnetic Fields come to the UK

"I could dress in black and read Camus,
smoke clove cigarettes and drink vermouth, like I was 17,
that would be a scream, but I don't want to get over you"

from 'I Don't Want to Get Over You' by The Magnetic Fields

The Magnetic Fields are one of those bands who have a revered but underground status, and are usually a recommended by word of mouth discovery. They don't tour extensively but attract a reverential and devoted audience when they do.

The core of the band is Stephin Merritt, currently based in Los Angeles; he writes the songs, orchestrates and produces the music, sings most of the lead vocals and plays nearly all of the instruments, though there are three other regular members of the band (Sam Davol, Claudia Gonson and John Woo). Merritt has been dubbed 'the baritone bard of New York' and possesses a voice which he himself describes as "low and affectless", reminiscent of Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy and perfect for conveying the wry and witty lyrics. A prolific artist, Merritt is also involved with projects such as recording music for film soundtracks and adverts, writing for musical theatre, and he has three other bands on the go - The Gothic Archies, Future Bible Heroes and The 6ths.

The Magnetic Fields' most well known album is '69 Love Songs', which was released in the UK in 2000, and is a three volume concept album, written as a musical theatre piece without a storyline. Merritt is quoted as saying that "69 Love Songs is not remotely an album about love. It's an album about love songs, which are very far away from anything to do with love." The songs showcase a wide variety of influences and genres. Songs from this album have been used in various films and TV series, including Skins, and have spawned tribute nights and an art project called 'How Fucking Romantic' with comic strips, illustrations and writings inspired by the lyrics.

The band have released three albums since then – 'i', 'Distortion', and most recently 'Realism' (released on 25th January). These three releases are known as the 'no-synth trilogy' as synthesisers have been dropped in favour of guitars and strings. The album 'i' is another concept album with all the song titles beginning with the letter 'i' or the pronoun 'I'. 'Distortion' features distorted music and vocals, and has been compared to the Jesus and Mary Chain's 'Pyschocandy'. There is speculation that Merritt was trying to convey to the listener how he hears music - he suffers from a hearing condition called hyperacusis (an over-sensitivity to certain sounds).

'Realism', the ninth album, is a quieter, folk-style offering, with minimal electric instruments used on the recording and featuring the author Lemony Snicket (aka Daniel Handler), Merritt defines it as "an orchestral folk record."

The Magnetic Fields are touring Canada and America during February and will visit the UK in March before heading off on a tour of Europe. They will be showcasing material from all of their albums. There are only three dates in the UK:

Fri 19 March Cathedral, Manchester
Sun 21 March The Assembly, Leamington Spa
Mon 22 March Barbican, London

Please check back at eGigs in March for a review of the Barbican show.

To buy tickets to the Cathedral show, click here.

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