CONCERT REVIEW: THE WILD FEATHERS @ JOE'S ON WEED ST, CHICAGO, IL, 6/27

Written by Chris Moran

I had the distinct pleasure of covering The Wild Feathers last week at Joe’s on Weed Street in Chicago. I’ve been a fan of this band for quite some time and was excited to finally get a chance to see them in my own backyard. As this was my first time seeing them in a small club vs. a larger festival setting, I was excited to seem them in what I would consider their 'natural habitat.' After all the dust settled, the intimate setting won hands down and made for a truly an amazing experience that I won't soon forget.

For those not in the know, The Wild Feathers have a great sound that's reminiscent of southern rock and country greats such as The Eagles and Tom Petty. Sprinkle in a full serving of blues and rock (featuring solid guitar lines and beautiful vocal harmonies) and you have all the ingredients necessary for a killer band. Founding Members Ricky Young, Joel King, and Taylor Burns all share lead vocal duties and all bring a unique style to their songs. Tracks like “Left My Woman” feature all three members on lead vocals and showcases the diversity The Wild Feathers brings to the table on any given day.

After an inspiring opening set by singer/songwriter Lauren Jenkins, The Wild Feathers finally took the stage and from note one they failed to disappoint. The capacity crowd was completely engaged throughout their 18 song set which spanned songs from all three of their studio albums and a few well chosen covers such as Bob Dylan's 1974 classic, "I Shall Be Released". My favorites from the night included "Backwoods Company" and "The Ceiling" (although others in attendance might beg to differ). Half-way through their set, they dedicated one of my favorite songs, "How", to a young lady in the front-row named Melissa. They pointed her out to the crowd and created what will surely be a lifelong memory for her as the song came to life right before her eyes. Moments like these are truly special and showcase why The Wild Feathers are in a class all of their own.

The Wild Feathers wrapped up their incredible set with an a two-song encore featuring Led Zeppelin classic “Hey Hey What Can I Do” along with “The Weight” , a cool track from Canadian roots rockers, The Band. These songs may not have been originals, but they made them their own and were the perfect choice to end their show with. That said, it's my true belief that The Wild Feathers are a band that is meant to be seen live. They bring a unique energy, swagger, and nuance to these types of performances which ultimately separate them from others in the pack.

Check them out on their current Neon Frontier Tour with supporting act Lauren Jenkins. Click HERE to learn more and scroll down for a Full-set of Amazing Concert Photos!

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