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.
Dabbs: Growing up in Sparta, Tenn., and spending a majority of my time at my grandparents’ place out in the country left an ever-growing desire to play in the woods. I use to spend every afternoon after school walking the mountain behind their house. There are several fond memories of me and my grandmother walking around for hours that I’ll never forget. When I turned 12, my uncle introduced me to scouting, camping, rafting trips, camp fires and friends. Some friends and I had a friendly competition to see who could light a fire in a downpour and keep it going. I loved it! A few years ago, a friend mentioned doing some sections of the Appalachian Trail, and ever since it’s been calling my name. I’d really like to do a thru-hike someday.
Video after the jump.
