I must admit as a huge Rock n’ Roll fan, when it comes to new releases in the Alternative Rock world, I get excited every single time. So, when The Thing With Feathers released their debut EP, Sundays in the South, on February 18th, I immediately gave it a listen.
Nashville native band, The Thing With Feathers, is ever evolving and expanding the space of what Alt-Rock is, and fans are loving it, myself included. The group describes their sound as “… pushing the boundaries of pop-infused alternative rock to lengths not previously exhibited by (their) Nashville contemporaries.” After listening, I would have to completely agree. Sounding like seasoned professionals, it’s hard to believe this is the groups very first EP. Cumulating a distinct sound of their own, this band encapsulates the energy of a mix of bands like; The Strokes, Coldplay, and The 1975. Sundays in the South is incredibly well balanced, yet each song is unique and distinguishable amongst one another. It has a wonderful cohesiveness that has listeners coming back for more.
The Thing With Feathers is a group of four made up by, Dave Welsch (Vocals), Alex Hendricks (lead guitar), Sean Carroll (bass), and Chris Roussell (Drums). After the release of the EP’s singles “Static” being released on November 19th, 2021, followed by “Lights Down Low” on January 14th, 2022, this five track EP was a highly anticipated one for many.
Here is my personal track-by-track perspective and breakdown of Sundays in the South…
Saturday Night
Starting with the EP’s opening track, “Saturday Night”. This track is instrumental with nice subtle background vocals from front man, Dave Welsch. It is energetic, setting the tone for the musical journey you’re about to embark on for remainder of the EP.
Lights Down Low
On January 14th, 2022, “Lights Down Low” was the second single to be released from Sundays in the South. The tracks accompanying music video (directed and created by filmmaker Hannah Grey Hall), naturally found its way into MTVs ‘Spankin’ New’ video channels rotation. This track has become a fan favorite for many, with over 71,000 streams on Spotify. Front man, Dave Welsch, is quoted describing the origins of this track as “… tells the events of a fast and dangerous relationship that started in a smoke-filled bar. [the song is about] two characters’ rebellion against the whitewashed ideologies of southern Christian culture. The song is centered around a bass riff and has an overall darker tone, something we were eager to play around with after writing songs that were bright and pop-forward.”
Listening to “Lights Down Low”, you’re encompassed into this world as if you can see this scene playing out right before your very eyes. I believe this easily became a fan favorite due to the nature of the story line, and how relatable it can be for many in today’s culture, along with its undeniably catchy rhythm.
Static
Entering all streaming platforms on November 19th, 2021, “Static” was the first single that debuted for the Sundays in the South EP. This track quickly became a personal favorite of mine, due to the musicality behind it all. This track highlights the talents of guitarist, Alex Hendricks, with energetic riffs that leave you wanting more. “Static” is intriguing with its lyricism that depicts a storyline of brutal honesty within a relationship where one partner is always left puzzled and slightly intimidated by the others actions. It sends the listener to a plane in which this storyline truly exists, feeling the turmoil and each emotion depicted.
Walk Home
“Stop the car its over!
I shouldn’t have to show ya.
That you leave me feeling, so alone!
Prisoners on the freeway.
Always too little too late!
Park it on the shoulder!
I’d rather walk home.”
In comparison to the first three tracks on the EP, “Walk Home” presents itself with a major shift in tempo, as well as a somber tone. This track is a perfect representation of feelings we have all experienced before, at one time or another. Its plotline perfectly depicts the emotions of confusion, frustration and a little bit of anger that the characters are experiencing while feeling ‘stuck’ going through the motions in a relationship that has passed its expiration date.
Sundays in the South
The EP concludes with title track, “Sundays in the South”, which also has an accompanying music video. The soft acoustic undertones paired with the lyrics, displays the struggle and vulnerability of moving on from a past relationship. With this track, The Thing With Feathers show us a side of their music that we have not previously seen from them before. Giving us raw and heartbreaking lyricism such as
“Wish you were honest when you called me,
Wish I was honest from the start.
Its like you’re treading on my fingers.
When I’m still hanging from your heart.”
I believe this was a perfect conclusion track for the Sundays in the South EP, as it gathers all the poetic undertones of the previous tracks.
In its entirety, I think this Debut EP was phenomenal. Considering how well Sundays in the South went, I cannot wait to see what the future holds in store for The Thing with Feathers. This is only the beginning for them, and I truly believe it is only a matter of time until the group skyrockets into stardom within the world of Rock n’ Roll. One can trust in my recommendation to stream this EP. Sixteen minutes and twenty-eight seconds is all it takes to be transported into the world that is The Thing With Feathers. Keep an eye out for live performances of this EP during the ‘Sundays in the South’ North American tour, with dates still to be determined. Be sure to check out The Thing With Feathers on social media, Youtube, and your preference of streaming services!