What’s in a name? Everything – perception, first impressions, final impressions. Seven Against Thebes. That’s a name that just screams heavy rock band driven by mysticism. Little surprise then that this Seattle based band deliver just that with their self titled album.
Staying within the rather rigid confines of the genre means that there are few real surprises to be found in the music of this band. However, it is also abundantly clear that they do what they do well with a standard of musicianship that would be very welcome on this side of the Atlantic. Not only that but, despite the expected and inherent to the genre power chord predilection, there is a commendable amount of subtlety and musical expression on display especially from drummer Bruce Burgess who hits the sticks with right place right time precision throughout. Check out his metronomic control on the album’s standout track “Pray For Me” for an example.
So far so good but ultimately, this band are let down by the awkward lyrics to their songs that fall well below the standard that the musicianship would lead you to expect. Nevertheless, I’d still say that Seven Against Thebes are too good a band to end up on the soundtrack to a game.
Available from CD Baby.