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Written by K. Patrick Welch
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Tuesday, 27 March 2007 |
The Crystal Ballroom, Portland, OR
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The Feeling is the UK’s latest export and with a sound like Supertramp meets 10CC meets Travis meets The Beatles, you can understand why they’ve been referred to as the “best new UK power-pop band.” In Europe, they fill near arena-sized venues as a solid headliner. Here in the States, the band cuts its teeth as an opening act. Headliners have a lot of room on stage, opening acts don’t and by the end of the show I was wishing I was watching them on their home court. Whereas some bands have trouble bringing a club act to an arena, The Feeling’s arena show doesn’t translate as well to a club. It’s a big show. It’s a headlining show.
Taking the stage as the second of three bands, The Feeling opened with a rumbling music track which gave way to a Beach Boy-esque a cappella choir, then to more music and finally a percussive “click” track. The band joined the click track live and we were off on a 45-minute show full of great harmonies and solid musicianship. The band’s talent is unquestionable. Pete Townshend’s influence is evident throughout the live show as is the band’s homage to amazing vocal groups like the Beach Boys and Queen. Their live show draws from Travis, Supertramp and a bit (believe it or not) from Spandau Ballet. The latter might be due to The Feeling’s ability to craft such hooky ballads as well as lead singer Dan Gillespie Sells’ Brothers Kemp dress and appeal. Originality may be a bit in short supply, but the comparisons are noteworthy and appropriate—the Beatles, Coldplay, even The Knack.
It was frustrating to watch what could be such a great show if only the crowd were more into it; if only the backdrop wasn’t the headliner’s equipment; if only the band weren’t crammed up to the front of the stage; if only, well, you get the point. The crowd was there to see Mat Kearney, a completely different sound than The Feeling, and while the audience was appreciative and mildly responsive, the cycle of energy didn’t flow from the band to the crowd and back. The Feeling was putting on an arena show. The crowd wanted a Mat Kearney club show. Enough said.
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