Alternative Folk from 23 Fields

Based in Hastings in the south of the UK, 23 Fields is an indie folk trio that’s been charming listeners with their heartfelt storytelling and impressive musicianship. Led by singer and guitarist Step Adams with violinist Louise Driver and drummer-percussionist Jason M. Smith, the band blends their traditional folk background with a modern approach to create an original sound that’s at once familiar and entirely original.

The unique chemistry of 23 Fields shines in every note they play, shaped by the trio’s diverse life experiences. From Step’s soulful vocals and Louise’s beautiful violin lines to Jason’s slick rhythmic grooves, the band explores themes ranging from the political to the profoundly personal. Their lyrical reflections on love, life and family offers relatable musical moments that have struck a chord with fans across the UK and beyond.

Before coming together as 23 Fields, the members each walked their own unique paths. From early days as small-time buskers and teenage rock band members to unexpected detours, volunteering with the RNLI, working in A&E, or performing at Glastonbury, these experiences have enhanced their music with experience and sincerity. Last summer, 23 Fields introduced themselves to the world with their album The World Is Raining, which was followed up by their sophomore album, To Follow This Year’s Fashion, in April this year.

Now bringing us one of the singles lifted from the album, they share the song “Jack,” a song written by Step about reflecting on his life’s journey and the influences that shaped him as a person and artist. Brought in by soft acoustic guitar tones, the delicate arrangement sets an intimate folk scene as Step’s rich voice enters to stitch gentle melodies into the inviting musical fabric.

Developing with the sparse plinks of keys, the mellow patter of percussion and warm touch of strings adds a subtle surge of energy before the instrumentation dips back for the second verse. With elegant ebb and flow, the chorus delivers memorable melodic writing and storytelling lyrics to capture a timeless sound filtered through the band’s unique musical lens.

It’s a truly delightful outing of classic songwriting brought to life by assured vocal and instrumental performances, once again nodding to the enduring quality of their stellar sophomore album. Having gone from strength to strength on their second year of sharing their music as 23 Fields, we can’t wait to see what they’ve got in store for 2025.

Listen to Jack below

More from Music

---

Editor Picks

---