Hits and Misses, But Consistent Promise| Posted September 18, 2007
Don't let the first song be an indicator this is a good album. I've actually only heard of this band very recently, and I'm quite surprised considering how much talent the band shows with this album. How do you describe them? Think Lincoln Brewster doing rock/pop with a good guitarist. This analogy stands well when you listen to the first song, which seems very tailored to radio, and also drags on much longer than it should.
But the highlight comes next "Really Free" starts off with a great guitar riff, and as the song progresses, you're like, this band could be the next big thing, especially when it hits the chorus.
The ballad "Waiting For You" is a beautiful song, and really makes you wonder why this band isn't all over. They provide some great music, and for the songs that aren't that great, the guitarist makes up for it. Unfortunately, a few of the songs could have been done better, and they really show that the band could use some more experience.
Overall, a great group with promise. While not inventing the wheel, and still a ways to go musically, this band could make a big splash with their sophomore album.
With musical influences ranging from 80's southern rock bands .38 Special and Bad Company, to 90's pop-rockers Extreme and Hootie & the Blowfish, to contemporary rock groups like Big Dismal and Seven Places, newcomers Sevenglory create some great rock n' roll. For the most part, this four-piece band keeps it simple: acoustic and electric guitars, basic drum kit and solid bass lines. Several songs make use of keyboards for fill but it's sparse and understated. The disc's closing track, "Ever Be Enough", is a beautiful piano ballad that showcases Fred Butson's vocals. Sevenglory doesn't try to re-invent the wheel, but focus on creating good, solid rock n' roll: music and lyrics that are engaging, likable and just the side of polished to have some rawness.
My review copy's insert included lyrics but didn't include any sort of credits. That's not really an issue, but it would be nice to give credit where it's due. Sevenglory isn't shy about where they stand- they are a Christian band. The songs of Over the Rooftops range from yearning, alternative worship to anthemic declarations of faith. Aching but hope-tinged expression of doubts to reassuring promises of God's faithfulness. Their music encompasses all of these facets without resorting to trite word pictures and clichéd phrasing.
This is one of those albums that has that ineffable quality- something you can't quite put your finger on that marks it as something special. It's a shame this band doesn't have the backing of a major label behind them to get the word out. But hey, they've got me! Fans of DecembeRadio, The Afters, Day of Fire, Kutless (especially Strong Tower) and Third Day should give Over the Rooftops a listen- you won't be disappointed!
to add lyrics if not listed.
