Member:
Jonathan Pine
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by Jonathan Pine)
Date:
8/3/2004
Format:
CD (Album)
7 Months is a progressive band hailing from Los Angeles. The group consists of the following members Danny Veras (lead vocals), Chris M. Jacobson (guitars, vocals), Geregin (Greg) Kalajian (keyboards, vocals), Barry Magnuson (drums and percussion), and Shawn “The Dude” Richkind (bass).
The style presented on their debut release can be described as a solid hard rock school flirting with progressive rock. There are 9 songs here (ranging from 3:40 to 8:19 minutes) and not a bad track can be found. Perhaps, the chief characteristic of the album is the fact that it rocks like hell.
The opening song, “New Age” is a nice graceful piece with very good chorus in the background. Among the influences I would mention Queensrÿche and Dream Theatre though 7 Months are definitely not one of those “ragged bands following in their footsteps”. The song is followed by “Change” a mid-tempo rocker that is close to the regions of prog metal with lovely guitar solos, great keyboard work and harmony vocals throughout. The third song “Stay” showcases a wide variety of keyboards playing, and interesting tempo changes.
Based on the solid rhythm section, the music of 7 Months is very catchy. Both keyboards and guitars complement each other perfectly, and there is no guitar or synth solo added unnecessarily.
My favorite tracks are the aforementioned “Change”, “Say Goodbye” (fantastic guitar and delicate keyboard orchestrations), “Sometimes” (again excellent keyboard and guitar works, gorgeous harmony vocals), the beautiful ballad “You and Me” and the great closer “Señorita Serenade” (the longest song, pretty romantic, an ocean and seagulls say both the first and the last words here).
Focusing on life in general the lyrics are accessible and not pretentious. Both the lead vocal and the choruses are very well done. The debut was recorded with a different singer –Joe Booe. I wonder how the new one - Danny Veras does his job.
Clear and polished production is another advantage of this release. Overall, very good quality-stuff with really strong arrangements confirming that 7 Months should receive some attention and are definitely worth checking out.
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