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Album Details

• Artist: The Features
• Album: Exhibit A
• Label: Universal
• Year of Release: 2004
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: dscanland on 2004-11-29

The Features are a foursome from Sparta, Tennessee and have been around for a number of years without many people even taking notice. It seems that Universal Records has noticed this band from the quiet town and has some high hopes for them. They have re-released their Beginning EP that was only available in the UK and have taken on Exhibit A as their proper full-length debut. The Features play a brand of power-pop akin to that of Shudder To Think in a more accessible fashion. They have a bit of a classic pop sound to them but more often than not I failed to catch the hooks. One of the catchiest tracks is the simple "Blow It Out" ("If you're happy and you know it, turn the volume up and Blow It Out"). Another one is "There's A Million Ways to Sing The Blues", which sounds like it could almost fit onto a Rapture disc. Speaking of the Rapture, there is a bit of similarity to the New York retro rock sound but not enough for The Features to completely fit in. But unfortunately there aren't enough songs on Exhibit A that are instantly accessible. Some of them come close but tracks like "Leave It All Behind" have left too much behind and just feel too generic. I think The Features show a lot of potential and that Universal should hold on for a couple more releases. I feel something good brewing here. Matt Pelham has a great voice and a good knack for writing pop songs. They just need to work on the hooks a little more, make the music grab you instantly.

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