The Feelies – In Between
Having recently celebrated their fortieth birthday, New Jersey’s The Feelies know better than most how to burn slowly. More placid ripples than Crazy Rhythms, their sixth record is a far cry from the neurotic post-punk jangle of their milestone debut and is their quietest, most unhurried statement yet.
Between its moderate tempos and spartan production, In Between seems designed to turn as few heads as possible and at first even comes across a tad glum, Glenn Mercer sounding more resigned than contented when he murmurs lines like 'Pass the time / You got a lot to spare / Take your time / Not going anywhere'. With a little patience though, its sunnier side shines through. All the hallmarks of The Feelies' sound are present, but in a pleasantly subdued state; the sharp rattle of guitar strings could be crackling firewood, their toy box of woodblocks and shakers like insects in the muggy evening air.
Its best songs, like the effortlessly lovely Time Will Tell, build upon the melding of acoustic pastoralism and artsy experimentation they first explored on 1986’s The Good Earth, a sound that’s reverberated down the years via fellow Jerseyites Yo La Tengo and Real Estate. Importantly though, they maintain a kernel of the nervy weirdness that’s always been the band's trademark, ensuring The Feelies remain both odd and inimitable.
Listen to: Time Will Tell, Stay the Course, In Between