The Lovely Feathers are one of those unforgettable bands you need only hear once to fall in love with. That’s how it happened with me. I was a sophomore in college, randomly playing hundreds of new indie releases, hoping to find a gem for a music review whose deadline was creeping up. It was two in the morning, I’d thrown in an album not even checking the artist, the first track blares from the speakers and I know, simply know, that it’s meant to be.  

Needless to say, I’m not the only fan who has found themselves helplessly drawn to the Lovely Feathers. Before the indie music scene formally tipped its hat to the band, they had already managed establishing a strong following at McGill University and air time on multiple college radios. The Montreal based band launched their first album Hind Hind Legs in 2006. Their sound was refreshing to say the least. Imagine sharply-witted dark and bizarre  lyrics set to upbeat, fun synthesized melodies and you get the general idea. Tracks like “E Man Sorrow” are lyrically haunting with their longing after unrequited love but stop short of being truly depressing. The vocalized harmonies and poppy jingles give the track a sense of self-deprecating humor, letting you know the Lovely Feathers don’t take themselves too seriously. Hind Legs offers a variety of emotionally raw, quirky and goofy singles that remind us to sigh, laugh and dance if we feel like it.  

Unfortunately, Shortly after their 2006 release, the Lovely Feathers took a longer than usual hiatus considering their humble yet early success. Maybe it had something to do with members wanting to grow up and pursue “real” careers, who knows? Either way, it was a sad time and an awful idea. The Lovely Feathers must have also caught on to their mistake. They hit the recording studio and by 2009 released their second album Fantasy of the Lot. The album remained true to the unforgettable sound of Hind Legs. However, the melodies, though still up-beat and poppy, take on a more mature tone. The frantic and manic in-your-face energy of Hind Legs takes a back seat. Fantasy of the Lot is less angsty and smart-ass, but  just as unique and interesting as ever. "Lowiza," is a great example of how far the band has come. There is a wiser, more reflective tone behind the lyrics. Random, shocking expressions make way for more narrative-driven tracks. Like everyone, the Lovely Feathers are growing up and, so far, I like what I hear.  Be sure to check out these two albums and get yourself psyched for the Lovely Feather’s latest release, due sometime this summer!