Rise Up Insomniacs,
Kevin SecondsAs legendary as 7 Seconds are as hardcore stalwarts, Kevin Seconds’ solo stuff sounds absolutely nothing like 7 Seconds. At times it can be difficult to even appreciate it’s the same guy spouting words at you. But this isn’t to say his solo stuff isn’t good. As those people who stumbled across him when they bought the Matt Skiba/Kevin Seconds split will know, he is well at home with just a guitar as backing. A lot of people, including me, were probably pleasantly surprised. That record was upbeat acoustic pop-punk in the vein of Mike Park, and it was lovely stuff.
This album is a bit more fragile. On the sleeve notes, he points out this record took 4 years to complete, and Kevin describes it as the toughest record he has ever worked on. Well, it sounds it. It is an infinitely more difficult album than the Matt Skiba split. Slower, darker and, sadly, lacking the catchy choruses that make 7 Seconds so special. But, the album also sounds like Kevin has made a conscious effort to add some depth to his music. The lyrics are much more reflective – fitting for a man who makes a living these days as a radio DJ, ranting in a way that would make Henry Rollins proud.
I’m torn. I’m not sure how to rate this record. Half of me hoped for acoustic 7 Seconds, but in a way I’m happy he went off in a completely new direction with this album. One accusation you can’t level is that Mr Kevin is pedalling a poor imitation of his old music. Good on the fella.
Mike
