Gently Tender - This Was Once Fields Gently Tender

This Was Once Fields is Gently Tender's first new music since 2023; sonically inspired by the landscapes of the rolling hills and rugged moors of the British countryside, the band’s stirring indie rock sound is built from lush harmonies and pastoral melodies, touching on elements of folk, punk and soul. Seeking escape from the city in the relief of the great outdoors, front man Fryer would head out from the studio to the green belt of North London to simply walk for miles upon miles, often until the last moments of light disappeared into the dusk.

"The view of London from afar at nighttime was what really ignited a spark in me. I would reflect on my life and myself as I exist inside the city I've lived in for my entire life, that I've loved and fallen out of love with over again. The city does weigh on me heavily but it's not easy to leave a place you’ve loved forever.

A collective effort since its very inception, Gently Tender opened its arms to musicians Francesca Brierley (multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who also makes music as heka) and Evie Hilyer-Ziegler (with whom Sam had played alongside in folk group Broadside Hacks and brings flourishes of violin and flute) to join former Palma Violets Sam Fryer, Pete Mayhew and Will Doyle, plus guitarist Adam Brown