The Wild Feathers torrent

Biography

Formed in 2010 in Austin, Texas around the talents of Ricky Young, Joel King, Taylor Burns and Preston Wimberly, all of whom had served as lead singers in their previous bands, the Wild Feathers came together out of a shared love for all things Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, the Band, and the Allman Brothers. Preferring the term "American" over Americana, the band eventually re-located to Nashville, where they inked a deal with Warner Bros. and found themselves opening shows for Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. The band's eponymous major-label debut hit the streets in the summer of 2013.

The Ceiling” is the album’s lead single for a reason. It feels and sounds like watching small town scenery pass by through a passenger side window on a beautiful day, the audio equivalent of the promise of possibility. These are songs that were written to be played live, so it’s no wonder that the group has already gotten exposure on the festival circuit. “Left My Woman” is a softer take on the album’s themes of nostalgia and life on the road, hopeful despite the harsh reality that “all my money is gone.” Closing out the album, “How” is a slow-burning stunner, and it serves as further proof that the Austinites have mastered the art of fused melancholy and optimism that defines some of the best work in the Americana genre.

While The Wild Feathers clearly have the chops, what remains to be seen is whether they can develop their own voice separate from their forebears, and separate from what fans have come to expect. It will be interesting to continue to watch this group carve their own path, bringing classic sounds into the 21st century without getting lost in them.

There's a new denim-clad, Southern-fried band in town. The Wild Feathers, a five-piece rock outlet from Nashville dropped their debut album this week, fittingly titled "The Wild Feathers."

In the tradition of modern, good ol' fashioned rock bands of late, they pull together classic rock influences (The Allman Brothers, Willie Nelson, Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers) with modern, rich, countrified harmonies and poppy guitar. Think in terms of Dawes, Delta Rae or even indie pop outfit Ivan & Alyosha.

The Wild Feathers" does, in fact, include some real standout tracks. Second song "American" has soaring guitars and a driving, riff-based beat that's perfect for getting blasted through convertible car radios during the late summer days.

The center of the album is far and away where the most interesting music nests. Lead single "The Ceiling" builds and swells into a solid Americana single. Featuring emotion-filled, strained vocals and old-school rocking guitars, "The Ceiling" breaks the mold.