James Arden checks out the garage rockers latest album.
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Dedicated fans of The Feeling have been awaiting the outcome of two years hard work after the success of Join With Us. In the case of Together We Were Made, the band has sadly not been third time lucky. It seems that they have missed out on good fortune and taken a slight step back in the musical world.
The opening and lead single on the album, ‘Set My World On Fire’, initiates the new electronic pop sound that the band try to create. With the diverse instrumental sounds within this track, including a certain Caribbean vibe, it seems The Feeling have tried too hard to create a sound that is just not them. ‘Dance For The Lights’ is more effective in establishing a catchy ambience with its celebratory bass line and disco loop. This track is definitely one for the charts, but its full impact is questionable.
‘Leave Me Out Of It’ features the quirky addition of Sophie Ellis Bextor’s vocals. The single asserts a slower beat which creates a unusually serious mood from the band. ‘Searched Every Corner’ follows the disco continuum that the album commenced with. The jerky electronics hark back to tones from the band’s earliest works which revives some hope in the album.
Although ‘A Hundred Sinners’ remains an appealing sing-along tune with effective percussive instrumentals, it reduces the hope that was ignited. ‘Say No’ is a simple number that successfully relaxes the atmosphere at this point in the album. The worthy guitar solo and emphasis on the piano interruptions produces a rare gorging sound at the climax. However, ‘Say No’ remains one of the exceptions on the album.
It is hard to judge if true fans will appreciate this turn in repertoire. Maybe the album will attract a novel bunch of fans? However it is fair to say, Together We Were Made ultimately does not reach heights on the scale that were touched with Join With Us. Their footsteps backwards may result in the demise of the band in the future.
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