| Fields of Aplomb | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Genres | Alternative Gothic metal Gothic rock Post-punk Noise rock Experimental |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Labels | Echoing Saraph |
| Website | www.allaymusic.com |
| Members | |
| Carolyn Baxter Creston Baker Anna Leska |
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Fields of Aplomb, abbreviated FoA, is a goth/alternative band formed in Baltimore in 1998 upon the demise of Pelican's Daughter. known for surrealistic and gloomy lyrics. Their first album, Reverence for the Lost, addresses themes of extreme introversion. Their second release Nekromanteia (2003), is based on the writings of Eliphas Levi (1810–1875), a French occultist who helped revive interest in magic in the 19th century. Levi studied magic and practiced necromancy on several occasions. In 2004 FoA released Spiritum Oriundus as a continuance of spiritual magic, however, focusing on seances and tormented appiritions. In the winter of 2006, FoA released Weoroscipe which illuminated the power of seduction, black magic, fetishes, and faith. Disillusionment (2006) includes remaster of "Reverence for the Lost" and "Nekromaneia" plus two additional songs and a DVD. The band took their name from the folklore tale of the inscribed surrounding land to the ancient Sumerian society (Fourth B.C), stating that those who died, either violently or tragically, their souls were to wonder the Fields of Adplumbum (Aplomb) until they acknowledged and accepted their fate.
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Fields of Aplomb combined a number of influences (punk music, ethereal, even Classical music and dub) to create a gloomy, but very passionate sound which appealed to many left looking for something new in the wake of 90's collapse. Their sound proved very influential, inspiring or bringing attention to a whole wave of groups delving in the intense, gloomy style that would return to earlier gothic rock.
Carolyn and Creston had known each other since the early 1990s, and used to play together in various bands, often not lasting more than one gig. One of the most long-lived of these was a band called Pelican's Daughter, who did a few gigs around Washington D.C. area. They soon split up too however, and Creston once again tried to convince his old Marine friend Steve Dargis to join him, simply because Creston thought he had the right look for a band. Creston's old band mate Carolyn came along for the keyboards and bass. The line up was now complete. Anna joined the band in 2005 on drums and keyboards.