Feeder prove they’ve still got it on new album ‘Black / Red’
The band prove you can rock out while maintaining a healthy diet of melodic goodness.
Photo: Press
Formed in the heart of Newport, Wales, Feeder has solidified their place as one of the most influential and enduring rock bands of the British music scene (let’s not forget the best too!). With a career spanning over two decades, Feeder have consistently delivered nothing short of anthemic melodies, electrifying performances and a distinct signature that seamlessly blends alt rock, grunge and Britpop influences. From their early breakthroughs with hits like Buck Rodgers to their most recent ventures, into the mature and refined sound of their latest double album Black / Red, Feeder’s journey has kick started for another decade with their latest eighteen track offering.
Vocalist, guitarist and writer Grant Nicholas expands on the concept behind the album, “I really wanted the album to be split into two parts for the listener… Black and Red rather than be one long player…”. He then later goes on to talk about how, “… making the ‘Black / Red’ album for me was a musical pilgrimage and I feel the end result is undeniably Feeder.” And he’s right. The album takes you on a journey track by track to almost every possibility that Feeder can be expressed, but at the end of the day it all has the common personality of being Feeder no matter how they approach music – they’ll always be iconic.
This album has given me yet another reason to fall madly in love with the band. The Black part of the album, which is the first half, takes us on a wholesome roller coaster ride of self-discovery. The sonics of this half are much like the exhilarating ride at a theme park, with soft and then heavier tracks — so always expect the unexpected. This half contains much loved songs such as ELF, Playing With Fire and latest release Hey You. The Red side calls for the mosh pits to open out. Track ten, Sleeping Dogs Lie, brings the energy with its electrifying riffs and four to the floor beats – you’d be lying to yourself if you told me that this song didn’t have you toe-tapping and bobbing your head. Much loved Lost In The Wilderness comes fourth in the set and is joined by my new favourite Here Comes The Hurricane in seventh place.
Overall, the album is most certainly a must for all fans young and old. Throughout the album, the bands signature sound is constantly woven into each track no matter how they choose to portray their musical pilgrimage. Just remember, if you ever find yourself in need of a pick-me-up, this latest album is the equivalent of a hearty shot of espresso – guaranteed to give you a jolt of energy and leave you buzzing in delight. When in doubt, dance it out.
Black / Red is out now via Big Teeth Music.