First review of the year and I like this EP a lot. Lead Feather aren’t subtle and it’s certainly not hard to hear where their influences begin and end but in all honesty there are very good indeed. The production might be a little raw but that’s probably the point – it sounds as live as it comes. After reading the bio it all makes sense: “The EP was completed in just three days, adhering to the tradition of ‘70s music, with all songs recorded live. Captured in only a few hours across various locations in London, it was mastered, mixed, and produced by Hurts at his London studio, Silver Feather. The result is a dynamic blend of heavy-hitting, guitar-driven rock tracks alongside soulful and introspective ballads.” That might be enough for some but if not read on…
The opening track ‘Roll The Dice’ (also the name of the E.P. – I always wonder about the word E.P in the digital age, but that’s beside the point, as if it is a measure of length I’d prefer to refer to this as a mini-album… ) is like ‘full scream’ Zeppelin – and subtle it is not, which very much has you wondering about where you can see this play out live on stage.
After that bluster it’s all rather odd to get ‘Silver & Feathers’ – a one minute plus instrumental that just stops proceedings in their tracks. It’s a nice piece of ‘janglier Zep’ but there’s no real build into the next track. Sure it’s ‘interesting’ to go to an instrumental on track two of an EP but it’s a bit like a fast bowler trying a bit of spin second ball, it’s unexpected and it doesn’t quite work especially when after that first track you’re just waiting for more of the same… I will of course ask if I get the chance.
‘Track Three ‘Higher’ is another welcome ‘ball-tearer’ and if you want to get all generational it has a rather nice Dirty Honey style riff and an in your face vocal, before it mellows down nicely to run to a rather satisfying finish. This is good, just like trying a cheap whisky and discovering a real gem that you have to tel all your mates about.
‘Danger Zone’ that follows of course has another great riff and is a little more subtle, a little groovier, a little mistier. It’s a nodding rocker that will certainly get some part of your body tapping or moving. Great guitars, and for me the best vocal here it’s another reason for Londeneres and those lucky enough to be in the UK to treat yourself to a night out.
The bio adds “Formed in 2024 by guitarist and composer Simon Hurts, LEADFEATHER is a high-energy heavy rock band from London, UK. Renowned for their electrifying live performances and powerful lyrics, the band draws inspiration from the late ‘60s and ‘70s blues and rock vibes and grooves, while crafting a unique and distinctive sound that appeals to both rock purists and new fans alike. Despite being a relatively new band, they have already garnered a loyal following.” and it’s not hard to see why.
‘Shoot For The Stars’ the penultimate track holds that thought and adds some lightly disguised funk and a killer Zeppy breakdown. It’s another winner and as we draw to a close and the bio mentions ‘ballads’ and we’ve only had one so far I’m banking on final track ‘Why’ to deliver a mellower final word.
Indeed ‘Why’ starts with a jangle and a wonderful soloing guitar before ‘Apostolos’ does his best ‘Plant’. It’s one of my favourite here.
There’s more than enough here on this EP to make you sit up and take notice. The quality is there, the musicians have great chops, the songs are up to muster and if this is just the first salvo I can see great things coming over the hill. Does this kind of music ever get old? Will Blues Rock ever die? Not whilst I’m around and I can listen to music like this.
I was just in a record shop today and got asked by a kid which Zeppelin vinyl she should buy and with a lump in my throat I though ‘You can’t go wrong with any of it, but make sure you check out those that are making that kind of music and you can still see live…’ Keep that torch burning…
Roll The Dice is released 14th February 2025 via Indian Summer Records.
EP tracklist:
1. Roll The Dice
2. Silver & Feathers (Instrumental)
3. Higher
4. Danger Zone
5. Shoot For The Stars
6. Why
Leadfeather is:
Lead vocals – Apostolos
Lead guitar – Simon Hurts
Bass – Daniel Devis
Drums – Thanos
Connect with Leadfeather
. Official website: https://www.leadfeatherrocks.com
. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leadfeatherrocks
. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadfeatherrocks
. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@leadfeatherrocks