The Magnetic Fields

What makes The Magnetic Fields so interesting is their ability to allow their listeners to form such a deep attachment to their emotive songs, while they perform them in such a nonchalant fashion.
During a concert by The Magnetic Fields, it is not unusual to see the performers sitting on chairs, strumming on their acoustic instruments like they are playing at a campfire, although the songs they are playing are far from being campfire songs. Main songwriter and singer, Stephin Merritt usually tackles dark subject matters in his lyrics such as depression and how to deal with love, but he often expresses these themes in bitter, quirky ways. It is hard to know if Stephin Merritt wants to be taken seriously. He writes about serious themes and sings in a low, somber voice, but his lyrics are often tongue-in-cheek. He has also been known to perform stage antics, which seems to go directly against his subdued personality. When I saw The Magnetic Fields at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, Stephen Merritt was dressed as a boy scout leader, which is ironic because the boy scouts are a group that represents a type of conformity that would directly clash against Stephen Merritt’s personality. The Magnetic Fields have a rich, ornate sound when they perform live due to their extensive use of acoustic instruments. They often play with such instruments as classical guitars, a cello, a ukulele, an autoharp, a banjo, and a grand piano. They also add a modern twist to their sound by using synthesizers to create atmospheric layers to the music. The Magnetic Fields also switch up their dynamics on stage with there being times when Stephen Merritt alternates his deep, macabre voice with Claudia Gonson angelic, soprano voice. Sam Davol’s grandiose cello playing and John Woo’s pleasant guitar strumming appropriately adds great depths to the music. A Magnetic Fields concert is quite a pleasing experience, creating lush, beautiful sounds for the ears. The performance of their music is also an experience that might make you laugh, cry, or put you in a deep state of thought.

We had no idea what to expect going into this show. Neither of us were familiar with the Magnetic Fields before hearing them mentioned on NPR a few weeks ago. What we ended up with was fun, interesting, and well worth a night out. The memoir approach to the performance was fascinating. The music was diverse and engaging. The discussion between songs was thought provoking. We are glad we had the chance to see the show, even if we could only attend one night.

Merritt was great! I loved the stage set up and the visual screen to complement the songs. The other performers were fun to watch all the strange and unique instruments.