Darren McLeod
01/21/06, 02:56 PM
Feller Quentin's sophomore release, I Am Not A Monster, is a peculiar folk CD indeed. From the outset, the artwork makes it apparent that its creator must be a tad eccentric, and a listen to the album confirms this. Rather than the stripped down acoustic numbers that most associate with the folk genre, Quentin's music is a twisted, convoluted beast that covers more ground that one would expect. This can be attributed to the fact that Feller himself is a very talented musician, playing every instrument on the album (including a mandolin, banjo, cello, and more), and that he is a man who loves experimental music. This love for experimentation might have been a benefit in keeping his work fresh and original if it was toned down and refined, yet it is done to the point of excess.
The album begins with "I Won't Stop Killing Birds," a poor choice for an opener, as its slow pace and excessive length do not set a good pace for the album. This is quickly rescued with the bouncy "Bottom of a Well," which features some lovely instrumentation by Quentin, as well as fun narration on how he would escape various predicaments: "I'd use my wings if I had such things, but I have only four limbs, and they are shaky." His knack for clever and witty lyrics are a highlight for the album, and his music is at its most enjoyable when its upbeat. Once he starts slowing down the pace and throwing in sections of ambient noise, I Am Not A Monster loses its appeal, and its something Feller does too often.
When he maintains an upbeat tempo, Quentin's songs shine through, like "Life Of a Camel, WWII," or the almost child-like "The One About The One Leg Man," which introduces a wide range of characters, from the titular one-legged man, to a nun with two tongues and a forbidden bride. Though Quentin's voice isn't anything to marvel at, it still does the job. Besides, when did a voice ever matter in folk (http://www.bobdylan.com) music (http://www.saddle-creek.com/bands/brighteyes/)?
Feller Quentin is clearly talented, there's no question about it. Whether its the plethora of instruments the man can play or his quirky and poetic lyrics, there is an intangible appeal to his work, but it is bogged down by the many times Quentin gets sidetracked. Once Feller lays off the experimentation and focuses on writing songs that are enjoyable rather than simply bizarre, his music will become more endearing.
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Band Website: http://www.fellerquentin.com
The album begins with "I Won't Stop Killing Birds," a poor choice for an opener, as its slow pace and excessive length do not set a good pace for the album. This is quickly rescued with the bouncy "Bottom of a Well," which features some lovely instrumentation by Quentin, as well as fun narration on how he would escape various predicaments: "I'd use my wings if I had such things, but I have only four limbs, and they are shaky." His knack for clever and witty lyrics are a highlight for the album, and his music is at its most enjoyable when its upbeat. Once he starts slowing down the pace and throwing in sections of ambient noise, I Am Not A Monster loses its appeal, and its something Feller does too often.
When he maintains an upbeat tempo, Quentin's songs shine through, like "Life Of a Camel, WWII," or the almost child-like "The One About The One Leg Man," which introduces a wide range of characters, from the titular one-legged man, to a nun with two tongues and a forbidden bride. Though Quentin's voice isn't anything to marvel at, it still does the job. Besides, when did a voice ever matter in folk (http://www.bobdylan.com) music (http://www.saddle-creek.com/bands/brighteyes/)?
Feller Quentin is clearly talented, there's no question about it. Whether its the plethora of instruments the man can play or his quirky and poetic lyrics, there is an intangible appeal to his work, but it is bogged down by the many times Quentin gets sidetracked. Once Feller lays off the experimentation and focuses on writing songs that are enjoyable rather than simply bizarre, his music will become more endearing.
--
Band Website: http://www.fellerquentin.com