Featherweight

Featherweight is a New York based 5 piece that brings with it as much
savvy and storytelling as one might expect but delivers it all in a
decidedly different sound then most of New York's current rock bands.
Their new album, THE DISASTER HANDBOOK, is an eclectic mix of
intelligent pop song craft from both the past and future that bends
and blends genres with ease. This band is comfortable pushing the
sonic envelope (see the distorted choir that opens the record or the
impassioned pleadings of Sick Man that close it). They can just as
easily slow down, look you in the eyes and break your heart. With
powerful hooks right out of an early 80's playlist and emotional
lyrics firmly grounded in the traditions of the classic
singer/songwriter, Featherweight's debut album THE DISASTER HANDBOOK
might be the perfect recording for a long drive or a breezy summer
afternoon. However, upon further review and a ticket to the band's
electric live performances, you'll realize staying in your seat is
only an option if you have a seatbelt on.

THE DISASTER HANDBOOK opens on an ethereal journey toward THE GREAT
ESCAPE just before plunging the listener into the driving reality of
the dreary day to day reality that is the MARCHING DAWN. In the
emotionally charged hook-driven charmer, ARIEL, Featherweight has a
genuine hit and a springboard into the albums second movement.

QUINCY (NO ONE I KNOW) and EYES ON SPRING are both ruminations on the
consequences of death and murder but with two of the most
unforgettable choruses on the album it's easy to forget the subject
matter and find yourself singing along. The next track is a throwback
piece of ear candy. The pop/funk stylings of CAPTAIN sound so
familiar but no one has put together a track like this one in a long
time.

The next three tracks drift seemlessly into a gentler place and find
vocalist Todd Baker speaking in his most honest tones on the project.
Somehow the swagger and infectousness of the disc's first half go
uncpmpromised. SIX FLOORS and GOODBYE, SUNDAY tell two very different
love stories in two very different ways. SHE SAID brings the album to
its most compelling and vulnerable place telling the tragic story of a
personal friend amidst a lush string arrangement straight out of the
Astral Weeks playbook.

The disc closes with the epic pleadings of SICK MAN, a globally
conscious cry for help with an emotional vocal performance, rich piano
and an instantly catchy guitar line. It's an exhilirating finish to
album you won't soon forget.

This is a beautiful little record has more soul then you'd think and
enough memorable moments to keep you singing along for a long, long
time... Oh, and just in time for summer!
- East Village News