There is a haze of smoke paralyzed above the bar, a melancholy voice occupies every corner, and you’re left feeling like you’re in the early eighties somewhere in Tennessee following the worst breakup ever experienced. After listening to Michelle Featherstone, fans can’t avoid the pain in her voice tapping into the soul’s emotional vulnerabilities.

The English born singer/songwriter, now residing in Hollywood, California, has recently released her LP titled “Fallen Down.” She has been playing piano since she was nine years old, and began composing original songs as well. Her musical diversity is evident with her classification falling somewhere between Alternative, Indie, and Acoustic. Featherstone’s lyrics are entrancing. Her musical arrangements are hypnotic. The CD is absolutely worth the change in your ashtray.

“Fallen Down” has an attractive sadness. As each songs conclusion leads into the next, there is little change in the mood set. This is most evident when the sixth song, “Coffee and Cigarettes” receives its first listen. Featherstone sings about giving up her bad habits in hopes of rearranging and organizing her life, but realizes that she has a deeper issue. Coffee and cigarettes are not as big of a concern as she gave them credit. Her issue is alleviating her boyfriend from her life. She realizes at the end of the song he is the bad habit she must quit, not coffee and cigarettes.

With the same concept, Featherstone takes a different angle with “It’s My Mistake.” She understands she had the opportunity to leave the person, but knows it’s too late. She has incarcerated herself in a relationship she does not want. Similar to Coffee and Cigarettes,” she is in a relationship that makes life difficult to endure.

While the LP continues to play, you may question yourself why you continue to listen to these depressive intoxicating songs. It’s simple. Breakups take time to completely enjoy the idyllic side of a relationship after ending with heartache. She makes despondent music to reminisce over the past. And who doesn’t “love” to lie in their bed, insert their favorite CD, hold their pillow for hollow comfort, while the song recaps some of the best times in life, as the tears surface like the sun after the rain.

Fortunately for the sensitive at heart, Featherstone breaks up the captivating monotony with songs like “We Are Man and Wife” and “Bitch.” The first of these two songs may not be realistic for many, but the proposal of an ideal marriage keeps the rest of our hopes alive that it may actually exist.

“Bitch” is utter entertainment. Featherstone is singing to the woman sleeping with her man at her house, leaving lipstick on the coffee cup, finding unfamiliar hair in her hairbrush, and smelling a cheap scent still permeating the home. Instead of hating the man betraying her, she is irate with his accomplice, and threatens to unleash the bitch in herself if Featherstone’s man is not left alone.

Overall, “Fallen Down” is a CD that will have you reaching to skip some of the songs to avoid contemplative punishment. Featherstone’s voice is heartbreaking, but it is truly sweet desolation. When music speaks directly to your heart, it is difficult as hell to rid yourself from it, regardless of the dark clouds and the storm that arrives with it. She does a brilliant job of creating mood-altering music.

“Fallen Down” is available for download on www.itunes.com and www.amazon.com.

By Trent Hensley