ALBUM REVIEW – LEADFEATHER Deliver Heavy Hitting Debut EP “Roll The Dice”
This powerful work explores themes such as passion and dependence in love, the pursuit of higher truths, heartbreak and misguided decisions, determination to achieve dreams, and the collective hope for humanity to unite and evolve despite its fragility.
The EP was completed in just three days, adhering to the tradition of ‘70s music, with all songs recorded live. Captured in only a few hours across various locations in London, it was mastered, mixed, and produced by Hurts at his London studio, Silver Feather. The result is a dynamic blend of heavy-hitting, guitar-driven rock tracks alongside soulful and introspective ballads.
But is it any good?
Kicking off with the title track “Roll the Dice“, and it is a banager. Loud, proud and bringing the immediacy of hard and heavy blues rock straight off the starting block. Feeling like an amalgamation of Led Zeppelin, bluesy Black Sabbath, Aerosmith and a bit of Jimmi Hendrix for good measure. Though that really does not do this track justice. It has an action movie epic theme track to it.
“Silver And Feathers” takes you by a complete twist ploughing into an esoterically easy intro that lulls you into a calm chilled out moment. A beautiful little treat taking you right back to the hippies 70s and feelings of old school music festivals. And without much pause you suddenly find yourself kicked in the face with a brutal intro to the third track “Higher”. ”
“Higher” explodes in with powerful guitar and drum licks all overlaid with incredible warbling vocals before detouring into a soft slow and dreamy melody breakdown. It brings a bit of psychodelia to the table before energetically breaking back into the pure hard rock that it started off with. What headbanging track.
Then of into the “Danger Zone” with song number four. It just powers off like a motorbike screeching off onto the wide open road. a slower heavy blues rock style reminiscent of a Whitesnake style but with that hot dry night feel. It has a real groove running right through it that just catches you by the arm and pulls you on as you submerge yourself in the riffs and incredible psychedelic guitar solo.
“Shoot for the Stars” has an undeniable Led Zep sound from start to finish from guitar rhythm to the groovy organ slamming along with the bass and drum, keeping a fantastic catchy tune flowing. It has an incredible number of twists and turns to keep you on your toes.
Finishing with “Why“, which takes it back down a notch to deliver a hauntingly broody ballad, melancholically bringing the sadder different face, same coin of rock as it emotionally looks at human fragility but with a twist of a possible happy ending. Stripped back compared to the rest of the EP, it allows the emotion to take center stage, leaving a lasting impression.
Overall, this is a very tight, professionally produced and incredibly performed blues rock EP that just delivers a whole crate of emotions, rock licks and riffs, transcendent guitar solos, vocals with a huge range, and all wrapped up in headbanging heaven. It is an EP that can only be the first step to greatness if Leadfeather can keep creating things of beauty like this. It is modern but feels like it has a deep rooted knowledge of the history and deep seated confident swagger of rock and roll. Absolutely love this EP and has been on repeat for a few hours now, and i’m still not sick of it. You get a new nuance or rhythm, or pick up a new lyric, or find a new riff on every listen through. And the wholesome emotional feeling of a happy controlled aggression is just the icing on the cake. It has power, it has riffs and rhythms aplenty, it has a polished sound and it does not miss a beat. Just WOW! – Happy Metal Geek
Formed in 2024 by guitarist and composer Simon Hurts, LEADFEATHER is a high-energy heavy rock band from London, UK. Renowned for their electrifying live performances and powerful lyrics, the band draws inspiration from the late ‘60s and ‘70s blues and rock vibes and grooves, while crafting a unique and distinctive sound that appeals to both rock purists and new fans alike. Despite being a relatively new band, they have already garnered a loyal following.
Leadfeather’s debut EP, ‘Roll the Dice’, is a six-track collection set for release February 2025. This powerful work explores themes such as passion and dependence in love, the pursuit of higher truths, heartbreak and misguided decisions, determination to achieve dreams, and the collective hope for humanity to unite and evolve despite its fragility.
The EP was completed in just three days, adhering to the tradition of ‘70s music, with all songs recorded live. Captured in only a few hours across various locations in London, it was mastered, mixed, and produced by Hurts at his London studio, Silver Feather. The result is a dynamic blend of heavy-hitting, guitar-driven rock tracks alongside soulful and introspective ballads.
Roll The Dice is released via Indian Summer Records.
EP tracklist:
1. Roll The Dice
2. Silver & Feathers (Instrumental)
3. Higher
4. Danger Zone
5. Shoot For The Stars
6. Why
Check Leadfeather Tour dates
Leadfeather is:
Lead vocals – Apostolos
Lead guitar – Simon Hurts
Bass – Daniel Devis
Drums – Thanos
