Three Albums in and these West Sussex boys have failed to re-hit the height of their multi-platinum-selling album released in 2006 ‘Twelve Stops And Home’. The Feeling emerged as a group during a musical period when many bands were competing for the space left in the market for an indie-pop group, though despite their well established efforts in their 2006 debut album, their barefaced clinch of soft rock attracted many critics as fans, causing the Sussex boys to gather a ubiquity that contradicts their forgettable songs.
It seems that in their new album, the boys have gone for a completely new style. With a softer, less indie-pop sound than previous singles and albums, The Feeling have created a brand new, clean contemporary sound – and though little has changed, the boys have ambition even though the band still attracts the usual critics.
New track, ‘Leave Me Out Of It’ featuring a vocal cameo from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who’s married to bassist Richard Jones. Though the single holds itself well with a good mix of reserved vocals, slide guitar and genuine confidence, the single seems to be dominated by its own guest. Knowing that the single will have vocals from Sophie Ellis-Bextor, fans might be expecting something a little lighter, a little more melodious and more upbeat as this is where her voice is really able to detonate and create such an outstanding impact. This track, however, is rather dreary and tedious to listen to as it seems to have nothing in particular to stand out.
The first half of the track is very hushed with a distant drumming and electronic melody making their presence obvious as the track continues to play. The vocals of Sophie Ellis-Bextor are also progressively introduced, rather than the main focus of the tune. This being said, the second half of the track is almost as unhurried and tiresome as the first. With the track making no real impact or progress and the monotonous use of lyrics "you don’t know what love is until you’ve had mine" really hasn’t brought any benefits to the track. The only part of the song that demonstrated the tiniest bit of indifference to their usual tracks was the slight harmonising, which was over in seconds.
The Feeling have put themselves in great danger of becoming too predictable in their newer albums. With an array of recycled riffs and melodies these West Sussex boys are in definite danger of becoming their own tribute act if they don’t step up their game.
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It seems that in their new album, the boys have gone for a completely new style. With a softer, less indie-pop sound than previous singles and albums, The Feeling have created a brand new, clean contemporary sound – and though little has changed, the boys have ambition even though the band still attracts the usual critics.
