Delayed by the incredibly entertaining Tebow-bashing that occurred Saturday night, we managed to arrive at Mercy Lounge with just enough time to grab a drink and squeeze our way to a comfy air pocket within the crowd. Here, we celebrated the Patriots victory by way of The Features’ fitting sing-a-long chant anthems that would surely be a hit in any Boston pub.
The Features are a pretty big deal around these parts. The Tennessee natives have been in the game for over 13 years and have had a lot of support from their superstar counterpart, Kings of Leon…which doesn’t hurt in the quest for fans. The Features set a good example of what can happen if you stay dedicated to your craft.
Hopping from one city of dreamers to another, the norm tends to be discouraged talent moving away from the goals that brought them to these cities after a few years (or even months) of standing still. Some catch a buzz wave for a bit, but then run out of the means or know-how to keep riding it. The wave crests, fizzles, and suddenly their back at shore to start all over again.
Since The Features started the band in middle school, they don’t really have much of a fall-back plan; so jumping back in is just another part of the job. In turn, their name keeps growing with each push, and like Saturday night, shows sell out.
The Features got off to a strong start, busting out a crowd favorite,“The Drawing Board,” just three songs in. My sister calls this one “the circus song,” because it has an essence of organized, routine chaos. Another song we loved was “The Idea of Growing Old,” from the band’s Universal Records release, Exhibit A. The tune plays the heartstrings and us girls can’t help, but think “wedding dance” when we hear something so thoughtful.
What’s great about The Features is that they switch it up, and enough so that the naked ear can hear the difference outright. Everything is based off of catchy foundations that suit the band’s style and are then built upon, so the listener gets a taste of indie, alternative, and psychedelic rock.
The ‘80s synth-pop trying-to-save-our-love song, “Another One,” definitely stood out in the set list with it’s dance flavor and is one of my favorites on The Features’ latest album, Wilderness. Of course, no one can deny the carefree melody of “Big Mama Gonna Whip Us Good,” also on Wilderness, which lyrically speaks of our impending environmental doom.
Once the set ended, the audience was not ready to leave and politely demanded that The Features take the stage again…not once, but twice. As we closed out our tab, an exhausted bartender said, “The Features are the only band that I’m cool with doing double encores.”
The Features are currently on tour through March. Check out their site for upcoming dates and to pick up the new record.
