The Features—they’re hard to sum up, really.  For those who haven’t heard of them, The Features are a four piece southern rock outfit from small-town (they go with Nashville, usually), Tennessee.  They’ve been around for some time now and have had somewhat limited success in the States, though they’ve made a solid impression in the U.K. (as it always seems to go).  Wilderness, out yesterday, is their 3^rd studio album, following 2004’s Exhibit A, and 2009’s Some Kind of Salvation (the first release on Kings of Leon’s imprint label, “Serpents & Snakes”).

Anyways, back to the ‘hard to sum up’ part. On one hand, their bluesy and dark, with tinges of hardship in their lyrics and tones.  On the other hand, their punky, with an in your face, almost Beastie Boys-like mentality.  Lead singer Matt Pelham is a spitfire on the mic and the guitar (I have a fond memory of seeing them in late 2009 at the Troubadour in Los Angeles and thinking he looked like an enraged leprechaun). Their music comes at you hard, even when it’s mellow (see “Content” from Wilderness).  And, on the third hand/mutant appendage, they’re witty, sympathetic, and emotive.

Put all of this—whatever it is—over melodies for days, a few strange, almost industrial sounds, and trembling but strong vocals, and you have The Features’ music, especially Wilderness.  Also on this album,  The Features still have their same strangely engaging song structures and electric energy; I guess the main difference would have to be a lack of the anger that Exhibit A and Some Kind of Salvation (though it was presented in a much different form on the latter) both possessed.  This anger has been replaced with a great sense of humor (see “Golden Comb”, “Fats Domino”, and “Momma Gonna Whip Us Good”), and, it seems, a less serious and angsty outlook on life. 

The standout track for me personally so far?  “Offer Up”.  It’s a totally different sound for the band, and I love it.  Plus, the drums are infectious, amazing, catchy as f*$&. Props, Rollum Haas.

That said, this album might sound angry at first—it’s just the band’s aggressive style.  However, Wilderness has a different mindset from The Features’ older stuff, and I think this is a great side for fans to see, and a solid development for this raw, obviously talented band.

Rambo by The Features

Be sure to take a look at the somewhat hilarious interview I had with drummer Rollum Haas.

Also, be sure to catch their LA show this Friday, July 29th at The Satellite.  Tickets are $10, the show starts at 8:30, and it’s 21+. 
For a full tour schedule, click here.