This group of guys may very well be the greatest thing to have happened to rock and roll music in recent years, music in general for that matter. It'll only take one listen through their self-titled debut album, produced by Jay Joyce (Eric Church, The Wallflowers, Cage The Elephant), to see why.
The Wild Feathers is comprised of Taylor Burns, Ricky Young, Joel King, Preston Wimberly, and Ben Dumas. Taylor, Ricky, and Joel share duty of singing lead vocals while Preston plays lead guitar and Ben plays on drums. Their sound is unique in the fact that the guys take turns singing, and these guys aren't messing around with their harmonies. They all vibe so well together and it is boldly apparent in their music.
This record is strong. Hands down the best record I've heard all year. It plays well to fans of all ages and backgrounds. The Wild Feathers debut album holds its own with some of my favorite classic rock records. It is timeless, harmonic, and effortless. The songs are captured so incredibly with the arrangements and vocals that it surpasses any expectations. This project is a record through and through. It happens so little that an artist is able to achieve such perfection. This is a talented group of young men that are going far in their careers. With their sound, energy, and charisma, they've got all the right moves.
The flow of this project is remarkable. Amazing songs mixed with insane talent makes for a masterpiece. Song by song, this is how the album goes:
Backwoods Company- This track is about being rebellious, getting down in the backwoods, not giving into societal standards, and being surrounded by people who are as crazy as you are, 'In the backwoods, they understand.' This song is a stellar intro to this album and perfect glimpse of what is to come.
American- This one is about reconnecting with the spirit of America, driving open roads, leading to who knows where. Getting connected. Sometimes you can get lost but somehow you always get back. 'And I'm not saying I've never roamed but if I ever leave again I'll come home.'
I Can Have You- This song may or may not be what you expect given the song title. Anyway, it's about using someone in a relationship and having them at your beck and call. It's slightly arrogant and offensive. This song is has a funky rhythm to it which gives it a loose/light hearted feel.
Tall Boots- This is about a young man who has gone through a lot in life. And all he wants to do get home, promising he is never going to leave once he's there. The guy is seeking redemption for things that have happened to him in the past.
The Ceiling- As the lead single off this album, this song is extremely strong both lyrically and musically. It's about making decisions that leave you in a predicament. After watching the video for 'Backwoods Company' which precedes this song for meaning, the subject in the lyrics kills a man. Furthermore, the song develops more as there is a love interest involved with the guy. His mistakes become her burden as a result. And the song explores the emotions of what exactly is involved with decisions. The chorus really sets this one apart from the rest.
Left My Woman- This tune is about leaving a girl behind to chase after dreams. The guy hates leaving his girl because she is his saving grace and they have a deep understanding with one another. No matter how many miles far apart they are, he still needs her. This is a beautiful song and showcases the group's harmonies really well.
I'm Alive- This one is really upbeat. It's about living it up and being thankful for the present moment. This is a song you can listen to if you're having a bad day, it'll knock it right off.
If You Don't Love Me- The premise of this one is that the guy can't live if the woman of his affection doesn't love him back. The lyrics in the first verse hook the listener because it displays the level of emotion the guy feels toward her. The rest of the song is a continuation of the feelings and it is very pretty.
Hard Times- This one is about making it through a difficult period in life to get to the light at the end of the road. Tomorrow is another day and looking forward to that makes it easier to get through the present moment.
Got It Wrong- This is an uptempo song about a guy trying to convince a girl that he will be anything she needs because he needs to have her. It's a charming song that'll get you dancing.
How- This song perfectly concludes the record. It's about a woman doing a guy wrong after he does everything for her. He went out of his way and above to make her happy but nothing was ever good enough. It's a slow tempo song with a gritty vocal and bluesy vibe.
Personal Favorites: American, I Can Have You, If You Don't Love Me, Got It Wrong.
Overall Favorites: Crowd favorites for this group of songs are Backwoods Company, The Ceiling, Left My Woman.
