Feeder - 'Pushing The Senses' (Echo) Released 31/01/05

Feeder have been around for over a decade, but have never really become the elite band of British rock they nearly promised to be â€“ though the arena tour that ended their last campaign signalled they were heading in the right direction.  ‘Pushing The Senses’ is their fifth album, and will be supported by a UK tour beginning in March.  It sees 2005 getting off to a wonderful start musically.

‘Feeling A Moment’ is a beautiful opener that soars in the chorus and should become a festival anthem.  The vocal performance is strong, which is a feature of the record, especially on the powerful ‘Bitter Glass’.  Lead single ‘Tumble And Fall’ has been likened to Coldplay, and has a driving chorus as well as touching lyrics.  The same can be said of ‘Frequency’, which refers to the death of former drummer Jon Lee, while ‘Tender’ is built on a simple piano line that builds into a rousing chorus.  ‘Pain On Pain’ is another piano ballad that sweeps you away on Grant Nicholas’ emotional lyrics and voice. 

There are an equal number of up-tempo songs here as well, title track ‘Pushing The Senses’ being both lyrically and musically optimistic.  ‘Pilgrim Soul’ has a similar attitude while being highly dynamic, and ‘Morning Life’ features another soaring chorus along with intricate bass-driven verses.  The only track that fails to shine is the acoustic ballad ‘Dove Grey Sounds’.  It’s a tepid end to what is generally a very inspired album, very possibly Feeder’s best.  It may not have the full on rock of their previous work, but it is a confident record that may well see the band touring the arenas once again.