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Live Music

The band met at college 10 years ago

Review: The Feeling

23 January 2006 at the Metro. The Feeling cut their teeth playing covers to drunk tourists in the French Alps. Now the London five-piece are being touted as one of this year's white-hot hopes. Our reviewer Fiona McLaren isn't so sure...

"Don't fear the cheese," offers singer-guitarist Dan Gillespie, "Embrace it."

He might be ready to, and it seems a large part of the audience is as well, but I feel like I've missed the boat on this one.

New music review: The Feeling >

The Feeling advertise themselves as saviours of MOR, of easy-listening and of soft rock, an approach that has obviously served them well in finding a snug deal with Island Records.

"To give the band their due, this was a reasonably energetic performance... but I can't help feeling that I'm being slightly cruel..."

Fiona McLaren

I, however, am stood here, questioning why anybody would ever want to 'save' these particular genres.

Perhaps, following on from the success of James Blunt and Maroon 5, this is the path The Feeling thought they could tread – their songs being a strange mix of Savage Garden and Nickelback.

As in politics at the moment, perhaps the middle of the road, catch-all approach is a safety-first route to popular success.

powerful ballad

It's a simple enough formula: a sing-a-long 'na-na-na-naaa' chorus for the kids; a media-friendly image (the drummer had a fantastic shirt, the singer a phenomenal jawline); the loud crashing of drums to avoid Westlife comparisons and there you have it, lowest common denominator music.

Having said that, there must be something here to pack the Metro out tonight. While the first couple of songs leave me with an unsavoury taste in my mouth, The Feeling's set does seem to pick up a bit.

For the first time, they drop their pretence of being 'a bit rock' and let Dan Gillespie croon a powerful ballad entitled Rose.

To give the band their due, this was a reasonably energetic performance and they mustered a strong response from the crowd.

more challenging

The Feeling: something old or new?

I can't help but feel I'm being slightly cruel. The Feeling's best moments were last year's single Fill My Little World and the upcoming single Sewn, both of which have a Weezer-like pop simplicity and definite chart potential.

I'm left in no doubt that they'll achieve what's expected of them, although personally I can't understand their appeal. In a musical atmosphere where British guitar music is making massive leaps and bounds, there's an obvious demand for something more challenging.

My advice? Look a bit further than the hype, make your tips for 2006 Guillemots, ¡Forward, Russia! or Jeniferever instead.

RELATED LINKS:

The Feeling interview >
The Feeling >
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last updated: 30/11/06

Have Your Say

Agree or disagree? Write your own review of The Feeling in the space below...

Jess
Saw them in an Abbey Road session and they are actually fantastic musicians, which only makes it more annoying that they're choosing to record this pablum. It's fine for those who can't do any better, but from what I saw, they can! That said, comparing anyone to James Blunt is just cruel; he's the hands-down winner in the most sickening category.

Lottie
I recently met the feeling... and i think that they are great.they are all really friendly...and are amazing songwriters.i love the feeling!

Isaac
they are absolutely shocking, worst thing to come out all year

Tony Maguire
Your reviewer, Fiona McLaren, obviously has not got the slightest clue about the craft of songwriting. The Feelings' songs will stand the test of time. Let's hear one of your expertly honed songs shall we Fiona?

Anna
I love the Feeling and not just because of their music. They are different and the good thing about that is that they don't label themselves, saying "I'm different" - they just get on with it and make the best music in the whole world.

Kristie
I LOVE THE FEELING! THEY ARE GREAT! ROSÉ IS AN AMAZING SONG!

michaela
i went to watch u in the children in need concert last november and i thought ur music was amazing ever since then i have loved ur music :) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

imara hughes
i luv all ov ur songs!

bex
I love da band. I'm going to see them tonight. I'm well excited - its gonna be fantastic!!! I'm glad so many people like them.

Molly
I love these guys!! I can't wait for their concert in Boston this April.

Cyndi Kellaway
I think the Feeling are absouloutley fabulous!!!!

Steph
The Feeling are amazin'. Going 2 c them in Feb and can't wait!!!

tanya
i lvvv uuu !!! i love 'fill my little world'

Hannah
Am seeing The Feeling in Bournemouth in february cannot wait!!!

joany
They make good music. It's a change from most of what we hear today.

Jade
I just met the lead singer of the Feeling on my bus !!!!!!!!

Sarah
I think "The Feeling" are brilliant. I love the line in "Never Be Lonely" that says:- "They tell me to fight it, but they can b*@!^y well just try it". Excellent use of lyrics. I've decided to edit these lyrics to save the BBC a job!.

sophie.r
i love your music but i can never remember the name of the song with the words "i love it when she calls" could you please tell me the name of the song thanx luv ya xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx sophie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

john
It is refreshing to hear a band that can play well together, write good simple songs and have good harmonies. It is good to hear a band like them get a break. I am sick of hearing about coldplay and radiohead who seem to know very little about musicianship, song writing and anything else like the journalists who know less that promote these groups. It is good to hear some good stuff coming through like James Morrison aswell. About time.

christie
i LOVE the feeling. I just saw them with the fray at kool haus in Toronto, they are absoloutely AMAZING

billy jaye
Fiona McLaren is another critic missing the point. The Feeling are not MOR. It's all about pop craftsmanship, harmonies and good solid lyrics. Savage Garden? Nickelback? The Feeling harkens back to the glory days of 10CC. Not the "I'm not in Love" , "The Things We Do For Love" crap. If you want to appreciate the music of The Feeling, check out the first two 10CC releases. You'll see what I mean.

Gerry
Ever since I've bought this album I cannot stop listening to it! I love their sound and who cares if it's not 'up to the minute'. Their lyrics say what you're thinking!! Can't wait for the next album.

sammy
the feeling are so, so , so brillant and their album rocks

Sonia Wright
I find The Feeling a real refreshing band. We all sing along to the radio in the office and the lyrics are clear, meaningful and catchy.

Jess
Twelve stops and home is the best album I have ever heard. I love Dan soooo much. He is an amazing artist.My favorite songd are I love It When you call, never be lonely and helicopter!

x..Ria..x
3 words Totally Freaking Awesome!!! lol the feeling rock out!!

kerr makie
really good.luv there new song

Mike
Nah.. You are way off. They are further removed from the likes of James Blunt then even Coldplay are. Their music may be unfashionable but it is genuine, tongue in cheek, and completely unpretentious. They know they're cheesy, but they love it. I love it, its a refreshing break from the constantly cool, progressive, experimental and often inaccessible stuff that critics always go mad for. Bring it on

Amanda
I absolutely LOVE 'The feeling' and so what if the lead singers hot!!! I like rock music but sometimes need a release from all the loud drums and guitars to chill out! 'The feeling' are perfect for this!!! x

John A
All I have to say on the matter is that bands like this do serve a very good particular purpose. We need some feel good, light hearted music from time to time. Look at the likes of the Eagles and much of the Beatles early work to see how bands in the past have been incredibly successful doing just that - well written, well produced rock ballads that aim to leave a smile on your face. I'm not comparing the Beatles to the Feeling of course, just this type of format. There are unfortunately far too many bands out there that are trying so hard to seem new and individual that they only succeed in doing the exact opposite resulting in them all sounding very similar; music with no real, truly well written songs.