Little Wings

In Little Wings’ revolving line-up, Oregon-via-California-based singer-songwriter Kyle Field is the band’s one constant force. Magic Wand finds Field carefully balancing his playful fragility with Calvin Johnson (Dub Narcotic Sound System) in the producer’s seat. The result is an accomplished, alt-folk meditation that furthers Field’s status as a contemporary of some of America’s best arbiters of the form. "Sing Wide” and the title track recall the breezier works of Smog and the Silver Jews, while fans of Hayden or Al Tuck may be enamoured with lovely ballads such as "Laugh Now” and the folksy wit of "Uncle Kyle Says.” Johnson’s influence really shines on the sly soul of "White Sky” and it’s clear that Magic Wand is the work of kindred spirits. The collaboration is mostly a boon to Field whose latest love letter to Big Sur is truly a magical effort.