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CMJ New Music Report
Issue No. 819
June 23, 2003. 

Feathermerchants
Unarmed Against the Dark
(Innocent 12th St.)

On their newest endeavor, the Feathermerchants welcome aboard a fresh lead vocalist in Shannon Kennedy, whose refined singing voice sits at home on songwriter Peter Veru's down-to-earth compositions. A soothing exercise in simple, laid-back pop, Unarmed Against the Dark is certain to impress Triple A fans, with its sound parting from the strong Middle Eastern element that characterized the band's self-titled debut and going straight for the adult alternative vein. "Sitting Henry" and "9th Ward" speak to the earthy tone of Shawn Colvin and Jewel, while "Farmers Night Out" captures the spirit of Duncan Sheik, with Veru taking over both the vocals and the center stage with his own gentle, poetic verses. Also worthy of mention is the involvement of keyboardist Chuck Leavell, who has collaborated with the Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, and the Allman brothers, among others. His touch can be heard on "Brooklyn Ferry" and "All The Way Home" -- two songs that perfectly complement this package of earnest, wistful guitar music.