The Features have deflected enough false starts and dead-ends to kill most groups. Absorbed in full, it’s quite the litany of misfortune: at least two unreleased full-length albums to close out the ’90s; a pair of fruitless label dalliances; the departure of three band members. It’s oddly fitting, then, that the Features’ new LP is a self-titled affair. And apparently they’re also late-bloomers, given the measurable bump in song quality and musicianship that propels The Features (Serpents & Snakes/BMG). With its four members now well into their 30s, the band sounds like it’s just now coming into its own. Singer/guitarist Matthew Pelham, keyboardist Mark Bond, bassist Roger Dabbs and drummer Rollum Haas will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our new Features feature.
Rollum: One of my favorite drummers for one of my favorite bands. Paul was always the grounding force in Roxy Music and, in my mind, an undeservedly unsung musician. It says a lot that he was the one member of the band who ended up playing on everyone’s solo albums from Ferry to Eno. Paul has a very rare combination of power, subtlety, talent, creativity and taste that very few rock drummers have. (Pete Thomas from the Attractions comes to mind as well.) You can tell he was a good listener. Here’s to you, Paul. You and your leopard-skin caveman shirt.
Video after the jump.
