Rock United - United Kingdon
7th Heaven - Silver - 8 out of 10
Why??? I simply can't understand why these guys are still unsigned?
7th Heaven are without a doubt one of the most talented acts, that I've come across lately.
They are not exactly new kids at the block though as they've been around for quite a while already (since 1985 actually).
I can however understand why they've been Voted "Best Band In Chicago" on BarStar and toured extensively all over the
midwest region (150+ shows each of the past three years). Since their new 2-CD "Silver" is absolutely jam packed with catchy
Nu-Breed Rock/AOR. This beats the s**t out of most, if not all, of Atenzia Records' releases during 2003 (the hip 'Nu-Breed/Rock' label
in Europe). Indeed, they've recorded a double CD with 30 tracks!!?? and most of them are simply breathe taking and Def Leppard's X
album gets a real challenger here. The superb vocalist/guitarist Andrew Blake, is obviously inspired by Bono (U2) as you can find
much of his phrases and work here. The rest of the band with Richard Hofherr (guitars/keys), Mark Kennetz (bass), and Dan Miller
(drums), are all very experienced and good musicians.
It's like listening to a AOR/Nu-Breed version of Bono with Def Leppard harmonies most of the time. They've appeared several times on
the "Jenny Jones" show and MTV has recently picked up "Silver" to use on the shows "Making the Video" & "Punk'd". Check 'em out
at MTV now and running thru the next two years. Believe me, it's just a matter of days/weeks', before they're at least signed to a
European label (I'll eat my hat otherwise). Depending on if they wish to sign with one, that is. With 30! tracks to go through,
you simply can't just name a song or two. There are perhaps a couple of tracks with too much dance/heavy beat
(Broken, War Machine, Face Of Terror), for the average 'wimp' rocker. Disc #1 opens up with "Gravity" and it only takes a
couple of seconds to recognize this as A+ rock. With "Cellophane", you'll be down for the count as the refrain hits you right between
the eyes. "Kill The Cycle" simply rocks (check out those Bono vocals), and "Ghost Of Me" is pure AOR a'la Def Lep, and the list goes
on and on. "Silver" was release late Oct. 2003, but I believe that 2004 will be the year of 7th Heaven.
These disc's are simply pouring with talent and excellent material. You can buy it for $10!!! at their site and check out soundclips for all the songs. Something which I pretty much demand you to do.
Highly Recommended if you're into the latest Def Lep and catchy, modern, AOR/NU-Breed rock!
Review by: Urban "Wally" Wallstrom 24 January 2004