Reviewed by James Lewis

The Seventy Sevens are back again and slimmed down to a trio. In contrast to the schizo nature of 'Drowning With Land In Sight', this album holds together very well, with the quieter tracks drawn from the same waters as the rowdier songs, though I suspect this album's lyrics won't make Tony Cummings (not a fan of 'dark' lyrics) feel any happier. This could easily be a secular album. The sound brings together a dense bass and rhythm section reminiscent of "Actung Baby" with retro/acid rock guitar textures familiar to anyone who has heard the live versions of "You Don't Scare Me" and "I Could Laugh" from 'Eighty Eight'. Mike Roe is ebullient in the vocal department, reminding me very slightly of 60s Dylan in his phrasing. In the middle of "side two" the band throw the listener a curve, and what a curve! Strange jazz interlude, "Five In The Nave", is followed by the startling "Earache", which - like "Gravy Chain" -examines the ensnaring of materialism. A heavy relentless funk bass line with furious guitar and vocals sung and intoned by turn, this is a track walking between genius and noise... I love it! That leaves the listener only to grapple with the surreal but wonderful "Deliverance".

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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