Exhibit A, the major-label debut by this obscure but terrific band from Tennessee made my list in 2004. This year, their label dropped them, on the eve of starting to record their second full-length, supposedly when they refused to record a cover for a commercial. With a batch of great new songs in hand, however, they quickly re-bounded with this self-released, 6-song EP, another (too small) dose of the melodic, literate, ferocious pop-rock that they've been turning out for years now, with only a regional fanbase and some critical raves to show for it. Singer/guitarist Matt Pelham is a gifted tunesmith and lyricist, and years of endless gigging have made the band ridiculously tight -- as I said 2 years ago, think David Byrne fronting The Attractions circa 1979. So now The Features are back to being my favorite little unsigned band. But, as usual, their latest release has been in constant rotation for months now, and is very highly recommended.LISTEN / DOWNLOAD: Wooden Heart, a sure-fire hit single in that alternate universe where the most popular music is also the smartest and coolest.
1 comment:
I am sold on these guys and will begin the hunt to find the whole collection.
I've added this tune to my year end mix.
Post a Comment