Feeder: 'Silent Cry'

With a ‘Best Of’ released two years ago and five prior LP releases stretching over the past decade and a half, Feeder should by now be firmly established as rock icons.

However, it is hard to award such an accolade on the basis of anything they have released in a while and so a new album would need to represent the band at their best to be remotely worth the while.

Whilst not noticeably altered in format or style, ‘Silent Cry’ delivers what you would expect and hope for. Walking the precarious tight rope between rock and pop, they deliver the trademark sing-along choruses and chunky guitar riffs. However, whereas recent releases have sounded tired, verging on formulaic, there is a fresh sense of vigor and energy present throughout this album that is reminiscent of their earlier days.

Feeder were never a particularly dark or broody embodiment of the rock ethic and this album remains unashamedly upbeat - no doubt one element of their crossover appeal. Most of the stand-out tracks from ‘Silent Cry’ contain a hefty dose of this feel-good factor. ‘Fire’ is as good a festival anthem as they have penned to date and ‘Into The Blue’ is an accomplished pop rock track to rival any of the current kids on the scene. With their reinvigorated feel, there is no reason Feeder cannot remain right where they are for the foreseeable future.

Released on 16th June 2008 by Echo.

Written by Andy Hirst.