Nothing beats the classics. When describing The Feeling, the first group that comes to mind is The Beatles, another classic British band. Comparisons aside, The Feeling has enough originality to pave their own road.
The pop-rock quintet released their debut album "Twelve Stops and Home" in February, following up two Top 10 international hit singles: "Sewn" and "Fill My Little World."
Soaring guitar licks, simple, catchy melodies and lyrics mixed with masochistic love is a common theme throughout the 12 tracks of the album. At first glance, the upbeat melodies mask the melancholy meaning behind the words. However, upon further listening to singer/songwriter Dan Gillespie, the dark depth of the words is evident.
Songs such as "Helicopter" attempt to convey the hardships that love can bring.
"My piano's out of tune / I wish it wasn't / I wish we had more time / I wish that my world was softer / And I want a helicopter / I've had this feeling before / My heart is crawling in the mud, mud, mud / I'd feel much better I'm sure if I had a helicopter," sings Gillespie.
Anyone looking for something that can define heartbreak will certainly find it in these lyrics. Even individuals with a fulfilled love life will find the emotive lyrics and unimposing melodies both intriguing and entertaining.
Comparisons can also be made to Queen, The Carpenters, and even the Beach Boys. Songs like "Sewn" illustrates the band's desire for variety.
"Danny boy / Don't be afraid / To shake that ass and misbehave / Danny boy / I know you got time / but what are you waiting for / Anyway the dust may just blow away / if you wait for a windy day," sings Gillsepie.
Although the first line sounds like a snippet of any useless pop song, it ends with a deeper meaning, proving that mindlessness is usually fleeting.
A band like The Feeling is refreshing to those that are tired of clone rock bands that sing the same melodies and describe clich?(c) feelings. Sometimes in order to escape the norm, bands need to go back, rummage through their roots, and return to simplicity.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
