7 Months - 7 Months


Year of Release: 2001
Label: Now & Then / Frontiers Records
Catalog Number: n/a
Format: CD
Total Time: 47:00:00

Now, 7 Months is not really "progressive" in the sense of the word, but they have their time changes in certain parts, listen to ''Senorita Serenade'' at about 53 seconds in. I have to admit it, I usually like my music more technical; however, this self-titled debut does what it does pretty well. Actually, I''m glad that the CD is laid back for the most part because I needed something like this to balance everything I've been listening to lately. Some of the songs come off a bit too 80s like for my tastes, but I bet that's not really accidental. Think of 7 Months as a progressive Journey, and you'll know what I mean. I can hear some Rush, very little Dream Theater (their slow songs), and a bit of Kansas, but Journey rings to mind for some reason, especially on the choruses. On a side note, I'm listening to "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" right now, one of Journey's more "progressive" songs. In the modern age, this album has a style somewhat similar to Balance Of Power, but less heavy. There is also one more band that I can compare them too, but that will be in the next paragraph.

"New Age", the first track, is a good song and a good starter and it basically sets the tone for the rest of the album. Still, before I get to any other songs, I have to mention "Start It Over." Not only does it have some of their best lyrics, but it also has a great Enchant vibe. Well, more so Enchant during their last two albums. I really feel that 7 Months should go towards this direction, but that's just my opinion. The first four tracks and the final one, "Senorita Serenade," which is the one I mentioned earlier and also their longest song, are probably their best. Some of the others really do nothing for me, but that's for you to judge. Singer Joe Booe sometimes sounds like Ted Leonard (Enchant) but I hear a good amount of Steve Perry, too. He has a certain vocal style that I've heard before in other singers as well; yet, his voice is very pleasant and relaxing, for the most part, and it is, no doubt, a plus. Sometimes, the music is just standard. Other times, however, it can be very interesting, containing some nice solos, "cool" keyboard and guitar interplays, and a well in tune rhythm section. I think they want to rock you a bit here, and rock is really what you will get, which is not bad at all. I just feel that 7 Months should incorporate more of their influences into the music (see bio), but I guess everyone needs something a bit commercial now and then. Is this album one to play over and over? The answer is probably not in my case, but that's just me. Yet, for something that is decently light, towards the rock side of things, and a bit progressive, then this is your album. And, for that, I think they get a fitting rating.

[This review originally appeared October 2002 at the ProgPower Online review site -ed.]
Tracklisting:
New Age / Change / Stay / Start It Over / Say Goodbye / You & Me / The Night / Sometimes / Señorita Serenade

Musicians:
Joe Booe - lead vocals
Chris M Jacobson - guitars, vocals
Garegin "Greg" Kalajian - keyboards, vocals
Barry Magnuson - drums, percussion
Shawn "The Dude" Richkind ? bass

Discography:
7 Months (2001)

Genre: Melodic Rock-AOR

Origin US

Added: November 26th 2004
Reviewer: Shawn "Zero Hour" Lakhani
Score:
Artist website: www.7months.com/
Hits: 2944
Language: english

  

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