The Horse Feathers prepared for an intimate show at the Bitch Magazine/Kill RockStars day party, lining up all four band members, a plethora of stringed instruments, a bass drum, snare and highhat, and a tiny xylophone on only half of the stage. But even with all the strings plugged in and the earplugs out, the folksy, understated sound was frustratingly drowned out by occasional feedback and later, thumping bass and general pandemonium from above on the Mohawk Patio.
Nevertheless, Justin Ringle's subtle voice and fingerpicking---complemented by glowing cello, meandering fiddle lines, unobtrusive percussion, and occasional banjo and mandolin---still captivated the crowd. This is quiet but powerful music, and when the strings build and Ringle's voice rises in chorus, there is nothing that can drown this band out.
