Escape Music Press Release / The acclaimed melodic rock outfit SEVEN return with their second album 'Shattered', out via Escape Music September 23.
Mick Devine - Lead Vocals
Lars Chriss - guitars, drums
Andy Loos - Bass
Fredrik Bergh - Keyboards
Kay Backlund - Keyboards
Guest vocals Nigel Bailey and Lin Devine
Produced and Mixed by Lars Chriss
Executive Producer : Khalil Turk
Mastered by Mike Lind
Tracks: Light Of 1000 Eyes / A Better Life / Fight / Shattered / Live This Life / Pieces Of You / Broken Dream / High Hopes / I Needed Time / Taking Over / Last Illusion
SEVEN originate from the AOR scene in the late eighties where Polydor records having been fairly successful in the U.K with the likes of
Magnum and Little Angels, set their sights on SEVEN, a relatively unknown act that had started life as a successful South African group,
reformed to hit the big time in the UK.
SEVEN toured extensively supporting an eclectic variety of acts that included the likes of Jason Donovan, Richard Marx, The Monkees and
Brother Beyond. It’s a time period that Mick Devine is keen to reminisce about, “Even though they were out and out pop gigs, we loved the
crowds and the noise. We went from pubs to opening to 3000 screaming fans in Southampton. It is a very addictive adrenaline rush. We got to
play all the top venues, which were fantastic; including Wembley Arena, the NEC, BIC, SEC and even the Royal Albert Hall. The Richard Marx
tour was definitely the best for us with a more grown up audience we were able to rock it up and truly be ourselves. It went down really
well!”
Entering the recording studios, with John Parr at the production helm, they recorded two very strong singles in the shape of “Inside Love” and
“Man with A Vision” both of which achieved moderate success in the UK.
In 2014 the original bass player Pat Davey was working alongside Robert Hart on an Escape Music album when the name SEVEN cropped up in
the conversation. It would seem that Khalil Turk was a big fan, as Devine explains, “Yeah, back in the day Khalil had really loved the band and
he got in touch to see if we would be interested in finally releasing an album,” Without too much convincing the project was born.
The production talents of Lars Chriss (who’s repertoire includes albums with Steve Overland, Chris Ousey) were enlisted to
produce the band’s debut album called ‘7’, which was released to critical acclaim and was held up as one of the “Albums of the Year” on
many lists.
SEVEN was born again!
Following the success of the first album, a passion was re-kindled within Devine & McFarlane, who began work on new material, and along
with the writing talents of Lars Chriss, Fredrik Bergh, Andy Loos, Kay Backlund and Jeff Paris, that passion was given focus and a place to
come to life. What they discovered was a well of untapped creativity that had been hidden for far too long and the songs poured out.
SEVEN ‘Shattered’ is a collection of wonderfully catchy songs that rely on clean and memorable melodies that allow Devine’s distinctive voice
to shine through. It was Devine who took the lead in writing the lyrics on this album, matching the intensity and feel of the music to deliver a
modern melodic rock album with influences ranging from hints of Foreigner in “A Better Life” and “Broken Dream”, Journey in “High Hopes”
and even traces of Magnum in “Light of 1000 Eyes” and “Last Illusion”.
The lyrical themes are drawn from a depth of life experience and observations and are heartfelt and real. The production talents of Lars
Chriss and the line up of truly great musicians, deliver an album of depth and variation which ranges from driving guitar-led tracks with
memorable riffs to melodic anthems, all backed by stunning keys, bass and standout solo’s. It is an album that is a worthy follow-up to the
critically acclaimed ‘7’.
This album represents a natural progression for SEVEN and it features 11 stunning tracks that are laden with great musical performances and
soaring vocals, and while being fresh and up to date, they have bite and edge and yet remain melodic and catchy
This is one superb follow up album that will not disappoint.
