Album Review: Gold Fields - Black Sun

It may come as something of a revelation to many that Black Sun is only the debut album release from Australian electro-pop band Gold Fields. Many of the tracks on the debut have been given their fair share of airtime on radio stations such as triple j since the band formed in 2010. Thus, listeners could be excused for assuming the band had a couple of albums under their belt. Instead, the local lads have been biding their time since the release of their first self-titled EP in 2011, and doing their production research, taking inspiration from some reputable international producers before the album's final release this March.

Black Sun is filled to the brim with party favourites that include Meet My Friends, Dark Again, Treehouse and You're Still Gone. With the exception of the frenetic Moves, the entire album fits the minimal electro-pop mould shamelessly, of which Australian audiences cannot seem to tire. The combination of electronic synths, experimental percussion and punchy hooks has been a recipe for success for many Australian bands, and Gold Fields is no exception. However, the distinguishing feature for Gold Fields is the percussion, dominated by woody, tribal beats that ricochet throughout the tracks, tying the album neatly together.

Although some of the tracks, such as Meet My Friends, are a little darker, the majority of the album has a mesmerising, light hearted and nostalgic quality to it. The lyrics are simplistic and at times, a little repetitive, yet they avoid crossing the perilous line from catchy to mundane. It's sure to be a popular album, given the unrequited thirst for low-key electronic pop-rock and it's excellent to see some local talent holding their own against an international sea of competitors.