Thursday, March 23, 2006 12:14 PM CST
Sevendust gets back to basics and its loyal listeners
By CRAIG LAUE, For Pulse
What band doesn't want to find success in the music business? Who doesn't want the mansions, the fast cars and every other luxury that goes with fame? Once you've made it, the world is at your fingertips. Unfortunately, by gaining all those material things you can lose your musical edge and your drive. The members of Sevendust will be the first ones to tell you that yes, they did fall into that particular trap. The good news? Their latest offering, "Next," revisits the group's raw, aggressive side.
The band has reason to be on edge. Closing a chapter with old record label TVT, the band dismissed their management team then watched original member Clint Lowery leave to focus on his new band. Without a record deal in place, the Atlanta rockers locked themselves in the studio, determined to make an album all their own. Gone were record executives preaching to the group about what they should sound like or how to compose a catchy hook. It was time, once again, for Sevendust to exist on its own terms.
"Next" captures the hunger and drive of Sevendust's monstrous self-titled debut and sophomore effort "Home." With the added help of guitarist and longtime friend Sonny Mayo, formerly of Snot, the Sevendust machine was ready to start rolling again. Even with all the power, passion and thrash back in place, what has always made Sevendust truly different are the group's unique vocals. Frontman Lajon Witherspoon and drummer Morgan Rose add different flavors of singing, which makes a song flow together like a well-oiled machine. But just when you think the musical assault will continue on "Next," the guys go in a completely different direction. According to guitarist John Connolly, the group members continually want to experiment with their songwriting abilities every time they hit the studio. We know Sevendust can rattle your teeth, but they can also write a hook that draws you in for a deeper listen.
In February 2005, the group set up shop in Florida and crafted an album that each member is extremely proud of. If you want aggressive, "Hero," "Ugly" and "Pieces" can more than quench your thirst for aggressiveness. If you want something a little more positive and laid back, "This Life" and "Shadows in Red" will fill that void.
Signing with WineDark Records, Sevendust was then given their own record label imprint, 7Bros Records, and a new management group. The band then decided to get back on the road --- back to Sevendust's extremely loyal fans --- including a Saturday stop at McElroy Auditorium in Waterloo. According to Rose, fans are everything to Sevendust, and the band members are no longer concerned with getting huge crowds, as long as their loyalists are happy. That's all that matters.
Craig Laue is music director and midday on-air personality for Rock 108.
{M3
listening booth
Sevendust
'Next'
WineDark Records
**** (out of *****)
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