Reviews

Feeder: Echo Park

Feeder is a British rock band that has been around for a few years now. Now on to their fourth album, they haven't had much coverage in the press except in dedicated music magazines, which is a great shame because they are in fact fantastic. While past songs from their last album, such as Insomnia and Yesterday Went Too Soon, got air play on a few radio stations they never got the attention they deserved…until now!!!

Feeder's latest album, Echo Park, is getting masses of attention from all the right people, and it's not hard to see why. Feeder still have a fresh attitude to music, mixing tradition rock methods with today's modern production techniques. While not being of the expensive production quality of big record labels, you can tell that the producer and the band members have a good knowledge of what they are doing and have created some great tracks on an Independent record label budget. All of the songs would still be great without this production, as anyone who has seen them live will state, but it does add an extra spit and polish to the album.

If we focus more on the actual songs though, I can tell you that you are in for a treat. John Henry Lee on drums keeps the rhythm going very nicely, and given quite a few occasions to shine even though he has no real solos. Taka Hirosi on bass is used effectively in most of the songs, giving powerful and professional performances. Although the bass isn't really allowed to come to the fore, you can always find it in the background lifting even the most mediocre track to an enjoyable level.

The percussion and rhythm from these two artists are just the foundations of the songs however. It may sound unfair, but the real star is Grant Nicolas, who is the singer, guitarist, keyboard player, songwriter and occasional producer. Without him, Feeder just wouldn't be Feeder. You can tell straight away that all the songs on the album are his songs and no one else's. Rather than just singing the words in the song, he feels them, as he knows completely what they mean too. He adds a bit of passion in his singing and guitar playing that few bands seem to have anymore.

All of the band members mix well together, giving each other a fair number of outings to show off a bit, but keeping tight when they need to. They are like the Brazilian football team…they have the basics so perfected, they can put a bit more attention into being creative.

Admittedly there are a few tracks on the album that are mediocre, such as Oxygen and Bug, but as I mentioned before it's made up for by the good performances of the artists. Also, it wouldn't seem as noticeable if the album had less gems on it. Songs like Buck Rogers, Seven Days In The Sun, Piece By Piece and Tell All Your Friends make the album more than just a good album…they make it a fabulous, wonderful one that is worthy to be in any record collection.

So if you want a fresh rock band that are both technically and creatively great, you can't go wrong getting this album. You don't have to take my word for it though, I'm sure you can listen to samples of their work at www.feederweb.com

Score: *****
Reviewer: Werdna Elbee