RSS Feed


SEVEN
7

Escape Music (2014)
Rating: 8/10

UK / South African-based rockers Seven released two major label singles – ‘Inside Love’ and the John Parr co-written ‘Man With A Vision’ – on Polydor Records way back in 1990 before parting ways soon after. But two decades later and the original members of Seven are back with their debut full-length.

As soon as opening track ‘Shoot To Kill’ comes bouncing along I’m hooked by this joyous slab of AOR. Every now and then I need an album that is easy on the ears and, dare I say it, sprightly, and 7 is the sort of upbeat cauldron of melody to soothe the brains as well as the bones.

The band is fronted by South African singer Mick Devine, who has a sort of effortless whine which neither splits the ear drums nor darkens the room. In fact, whether the tales are about love or loss his mercurial croon is perfect for this sort of breezy, pop-laced caress.

Having been a big fan of equally harmonious bands such as Tyketto, it’s great to hear a British-based band treading the same boards by marrying straight up rock with sugary, uptempo breeziness. Okay, so there’s nothing overtly heavy about the sound of Seven, but the tunes are cool, sassy and catchy throughout. The aforementioned ‘Shoot To Kill’ is a sweet rocker featuring some unusual cosmic effects, while ‘Inside Love’ is an evocative late night strutter featuring twinkling keyboards and steady, power-balled styled chug.

I have to say that this is the sort of rock record which I imagine would be more popular overseas, particularly in the US and Japan, but anyone with half a brain cell should lap up this cruiser of an opus that in breath-taking fashion mixes crisp production, quality songwriting, infectious choruses and several guest appearances, including Mark Mangold (Touch, Drive She Said) and Rick Wakeman’s son Adam on keyboards.

Okay, so it may not be the most groundbreaking album you’ll hear this year, but with that almost stereotypical AOR vibe becoming so popular again the 11 tracks on offer are not just your average foray into archetypal pomp rock. The whole record feels extremely measured as Keith McFarlane’s guitars sort of meander with care throughout the lush maze of Austin Lane’s subtle drum kicks and Pat Davey’s subtle bass plucks.

With ‘Diana’ Seven slip into heart-wrenching ballad mode as a simple piano dreamily trickles behind Devine’s soothing tones, while with ‘America’ and ‘Thru the Night’ the band captivate the essence of pure 80s magical radio-friendly rock but with a dash of modern romance and edge. And that’s where Seven is at; sitting comfortably with that air of familiarity but always maintaining that silver lining of quality, which enables tracks such as ‘Never Too Late’ and closer ‘Say Goodbye’ to tug at the heartstrings one moment but the next enlighten the soul.

This is a splendid hard rock album for anyone who likes their music triumphant, positive and above all engrossing. You just can’t go wrong with this sort of melodic rock, which as an added bonus brings in the talents of original FM keyboard player Didge Digital, who puts the cherry on top.

Neil Arnold

<< Back to Album & EP Reviews



Related Posts via Categories
Share