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Country Music News February/March 2008
FERA CD Review
FERA, a Coquitlam, BC-based sister duo (Courtney and Stephanie Fera), is like having two “Taylor Swifts” rolled up into one. While this album is country/pop affair, there’s a bite to the music that gives it an edge above most in the genre. All of the songs here are co-written by the two sisters (two with band-mate Matt Rose), an asset that is matched by their vocal strength.
The album’s lead single, Dark, Dirty, Dusty Hallways, is generating national attention. It’s also the most ‘country’ item on the album, and comes complete with a twangy guitar riff that is particularly effective.
Several other tunes draw similar interest. Enchanted is a funky/country ditty, while the album’s opening three cuts, It’s Gonna Be OK, Let It All Go and Fairytales, all have an energetic bounce that creates plenty of ear attention. Listen also for a change-of-pace in the bluesy Girl Who Knows Your Name, and a soft touch on Sad Suits Me.
The only item here that makes you shudder a little bit is a song called Regret Everything. It’s actually a pretty solid piece of writing by the girls, as they revisit a “Goodbye Earl” scenario…however the hard drinking and boozing that they sing about is not keeping with their youthful image…and not a good message to be delivering to what will likely be a fast-growing young audience.
The album was produced at Vancouver’s Armoury Studios by Tom McKillip, and features many of the top session players from West Coast country.
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