This time last year Feeder had the world at their feet. They'd had their biggest hit single of their career with "Buck Rogers", followed it up with a successful album "Echopark", completed a sell out headlining tour and had just come off a tour supporting the Stereophonic's at arenas across the country. They were unstoppable....then tragedy struck. In January of this year Feeder's drummer Jon Lee has been found hanged in his home in Miami. The verdict was suicide. This shocking news to the two remaining members of the band left them mourning not just a talented musician, but a dear friend who meant the world to them. Despite such an unspeakable thing to happen, Feeder vowed to continue with ex Skunk Anansie drummer Mark Richardson - the fruits of their labour being "Comfort In Sound".

Lyrically it's more reflective and introspective and musically Feeder have never sounded this good. So expansive, they have grown into such a versatile group. "Helium" is a grungy, yet commercial track with Grant Nicholas singing about changing the system. Amazingly the more subdued moments like the albums title track, Feeder sound a little like Del Amitri with edge and added synthesizers. A slow paced track with a gentle melody building to a huge singalong chorus with a lyric of "We suffer love, together as one" is all the more rewarding considering their loss. Dripped in melancholy it's an unforgettable and haunting track. If you're thinking this is a depressing listen, think again. Feeder still know how to crank up the volume. This is most evident on the explosive "Godzilla" which is the most metal moment on the album. The thrashing guitars and bass courtesy of Taka Hirose transform the band to ear splitting rock behemoths. "Love Pollution" is the kind of song Travis wished they had written and naturally it would be easy to call it just another ballad if it wasn't for the sort of integrity and honesty that the band are known for.

"Comfort In Sound" will engage, amaze and charm you and explores hidden depths amongst a new found maturity that Feeder have only hinted at before.

Nicholas Paul Godkin