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.
Pellham: Recently, I’ve kept an eye out for mid-late ’70s Yamaha guitars. In my opinion, they rival the quality of any American made “boutique” guitars I have played. They are extremely well made, very versatile and sound great. I recently purchased a Yamaha SF1000 for $40 at a pawn shop. It is very similar to a Gibson (Les Paul/SG) of the same era but much, much cheaper. If you have the opportunity, try one. I doubt you will be disappointed.
