Northfield is a rock band from Litchfield, Connecticut that sounds exactly like what you’d find in a time capsule from 1994. Fronted by Jesse Perkins, a self-admitted music nerd who rediscovered his passion for writing and performing after almost twenty years away, the band lives somewhere between indie rock and alt-country. The album title “Lost and Found” refers both to Perkins finding his way back to music and to the songs themselves, some of which were started way back in the ’90s and recently re-emerged. After recording basic tracks in his basement studio (dubbed “Good Enough Records”), Perkins brought in old friend and co-producer Mike Goldberg to finish and mix the album, adding guitar solos and keyboards. Greg Hughes drives the bass through the middle of each tune while Ethan Sawyer plays drums like he’s running from the cops. The result is fuzzy, jangly, earnest, and reckless all at once.
Northfield eases us into the slow ride that is this album with “With The Radio On”. That’s really what this whole album feels like: driving around with the radio on. Bright acoustic guitar and layered melodies bring the wholesome vibe of riding around a small town with friends, listening to music, and singing along. It’s those moments that make us feel like maybe life isn’t that complicated, and the lyrics describe that beautifully here.
Now that we are eased in, “It’s Too Easy” picks up the energy and delivers a cathartic release akin to passing by greenery in the sunlight in an afternoon run. The drums here really do the heavy lifting of creating a ton of momentum as the catchy hook keeps you grounded. It’s a high point in the album.
Next is “Let Me Break Your Heart”. This song really encapsulates that “lost and found” title of the album because it feels like a song that was written in the ’90s, with just everything about it. The production, the choice of harmony, the choice of rhythm, the way the acoustic guitars are layered, the vocal performance, it really feels like it was written a long time ago, and it’s like a time capsule in the way it sounds, but its content is timeless. It’s a song about a lovestruck guy asking for another chance; it’s a timeless trope, and the execution is genuine and authentic. It’s not just something written about a trope like an engineered pop hit; it’s much more than that. It’s at the heart of what rock music is.
Lyrically, “Grounded” is one of the best songs on the album. Musically, it stands out because it has a really memorable bassline. It definitely has that softer alt-rock energy from a songwriting perspective. That comes through even more on the acoustic demo version also included on the album. Being an acoustic version, it’s more stripped down, and the vocal performance here is more vulnerable and delicate. Both versions are winners here because they are great interpretations of the theme that just highlight different parts of it.
“Time Will Tell” hits the country nail on the head. The pacing of the song and the carefully crafted melodies are nothing short of genius. The guitar solo here is supremely melodic and singable. In my opinion, Mike Goldberg has really outdone himself on this one. It’s not flashy or anything, it’s just exactly what a melodic song like this needs.
“Some Days” is the kind of understated, wholesome anthemic rock that only works if there’s genuine emotion behind it because that absolutely translates over to the audience. There’s plenty of that here. This is an anthem that you will be singing in appreciation of the days when everything doesn’t seem that bad.
The band proves once more with “All The Same” that creating memorable hooks is just in their blood; it’s not a one-off. The melodic motif between the verses here really brings home the entire song, and its repetition works wonderfully with the song’s theme of everything all the same, so just like any great band, the music tells the story alongside the lyrics.
Leaning more into the rock side, “Take Me Out” is the loudest song so far. The warm, fuzzy bass tone on this song really works wonders with the drums to create a rocking rhythm section. Really, the bass tone across the entire album deserves high praise; it is absolutely a joy to listen to.
“In The Morning” dials the dynamics back. The slide guitar and that dampened snare sound set the vibe for the vocals to tell a dreamy love story.
“I Think I’m Ready” has the vibe of a montage song in a Hollywood movie in the best way possible. A protagonist is getting their things together as they head on to face the day. Aside from the obvious lyrical theme, here the music backs it up with the same energy.
Northfield saved the best for last. “The Sun Keeps Coming Up” is the longest song on the album, and that works massively in its favor. The subject matter just requires that nice half-time groove, and I think the band’s musicality and melodicism work best in this context. Winding verses about not being able to sleep the pain off and reminiscing about people and places, only for the chorus to come and remind us that the sun keeps coming up and it shines anew for all of us. There is hope yet.
“Lost and Found” works because Northfield isn’t trying to reinvent anything or prove they’re smarter than the music they love. This album could’ve come out 25 years ago, and that’s exactly the point. Perkins and company understand that good songwriting doesn’t have an expiration date, and sometimes the best thing you can do is make honest rock music that sounds like your favorite old flannel feels. The band’s chemistry keeps everything grounded, even when the songs get wistful. If you’re looking for innovation, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for rock music with heart, this is it.