
The Feathers are a five-piece out of Nashville, three guitars, bass and drums. Lead guitarist Preston Wimberly adds pedal steel guitar on some of the tracks, and other tracks are fleshed out with mandolin, harmonica and keyboards. The vocal harmonies are tight and complement a rhythm section in bassist Joel King and drummer Ben Dumas that packs a real punch. The guitars have a snarly edge, except where they need to twang. The band boasts four vocalists, including Wimberly (the three lead vocals are provided by Ricky Young, Joel King, and Taylor Burns). They trade lines on most of the songs on the album in a manner that brings to mind The Band. All the songs are originals, and the writing is spot-on. It’s a solid summer rock and roll record.
This is a straight up roots band with a strong nod to the country rock of the 70s, but with a slightly heavier sound. The track “Left My Woman” sounds very much like it would have been a hit in 1973, without seeming dated. Ditto for “Hard Times” and “The Ceiling.” I ordered the album from Amazon, and went for the deluxe version, which is the way to go because the two bonus tracks are indispensable.
During the interview segments of the Guitar Center show the guys discuss their influences, a long list that includes Willie, Waylon, Cash, Gram Parsons, The Byrds, the Stones, Dylan, The Band, CCR and on and on. The Wild Feathers are a hard working bunch doing what they love and it shows. Check ‘em out, I’ll be there November 20th, at the 9:30 club in Washington, DC…..Until then, take a look at the video below…
www.thewildfeathers.com/