What It Cost by Foreign Fields is a fresh and invigorating chapter in the duo’s discography that is marked by a distinctive shift in both process and substance. Unlike their previous works, which leaned heavily on meticulous conceptual frameworks, What It Cost embraces a more spontaneous and collaborative spirit and the result is a collection that is as candid and vivid as they are musically refined.
Recorded at Hive in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, with Brian Joseph who is known for his work with Bon Iver and Sufjan Stevens, the album signifies a deliberate departure from the duo’s previous and more introspective approach. Brian Holl and Eric Hillman, who have historically crafted their music in isolated and precise sessions, opted this time to involve a live band right from the outset. The shift is not merely procedural but it fundamentally alters the texture and immediacy of their sound.
The evolution is evident from the very beginning of the album with the opening track, “After All.” Foreign Fields explore themes of regret and self-reflection with a directness that feels both earnest and unguarded. The song lays bare the rawness of questioning one’s past choices and sets a tone of vulnerability that permeates throughout the record.
Contrasting sharply with this reflective mood is the track “A Little Longer.” Infused with a breezy optimism, the song serves as a testament to the band’s new-found energy and collaborative zest. Written as a personal affirmation of self-compassion by Brian, the track’s upbeat tempo and rich music capture a sense of rebirth and self-acceptance that marks a departure from the band’s previous subdued tones.
One of the standout aspects of What It Cost is its dynamic range, as evidenced by the contrast between “When You Are” and “Show Me Love.” The former, with its intense, fragmented structure, embodies a tumultuous emotional landscape, while the latter is a beautifully orchestrated ode to familial love. The latter track, in particular, is a highlight that builds to a lush, Sufjan Stevens-esque crescendo that underscores the band’s skill in blending intricate instrumentation with heartfelt lyrics.
The album’s closing tracks, “Bloodstone” and “Waking Up,” capture the album’s thematic core. “Bloodstone” is a meditative exploration of the fragility of love and connection. Its pensive melody draws one into a reflective space while “Waking Up” returns to a more intimate and acoustic sound that echoes the duo’s earlier work. One that is filled with a newfound sense of resolution and gratitude.
What It Cost stands out not only for its musical evolution but also for its emotional sincerity. It is an album born from a place of personal and artistic growth and reflects a conscious decision to embrace spontaneity and human connection. Foreign Fields have managed to balance their characteristic emotional depth with a newfound lightness and collaborative energy.
