When a new release from a band like 7 Seconds comes along it’s hard to know what to think. On the one hand there’s always the distinct possibility that it won’t live up to former glories and prove to be a disappointment, struck off the record books by the faithful. But then again there’s the fact that precisely because their past output is so good it’s worth giving them respect and the benefit of the doubt.
Of course, everything is made a hell of a lot easier when you sit down and realise that ‘Take It Back, Take It On, Take It Over’ is a fine album that stands above the pack, and would do so no matter who was behind it. Slamming into action with the frantic ‘All Came Undone’ and ‘Meant To Be My Own’ it’s clear that a change in pace is not on the menu today. With the truly mighty Bill Stevenson taking mixing duties ‘Stand Here and Just Stare’ swoops and crashes perfectly, all insane drumming and melodies that are just perfect. 7 Seconds are one of those bands like The Descendents that can take a really poppy melody and relocate it into a punk background that makes it sound utterly fantastic, and that’s their biggest strength. Obviously ‘Take It Back…’ is a hardcore album but it’s also hugely accessible – just check out the chorus on ‘Panic Attack’ for a big old singalong.
Anyone looking for rocket science needn’t bother with this one, but anyone who wants a purely positive hardcore album should start queuing right now. ‘Breaking News’ punches along with a thrilling speed that slips easily into yet another hummable chorus while ‘Rules To Follow’ could indeed by The Descendents circa ‘Everything Sux’, such is the indubitable command of melody and harmony set to breakneck speed. While ‘Take It Back…’ obviously has its roots in the late 80s hardcore scene it manages to come as a breath of fresh air today – I’m not going to start a treatise on the evolution of hardcore in the early 21st Century but it is undeniable that there are very few bands around right now playing this style of music with this much competence and ability. With this in mind I cannot recommend this album highly enough to anyone despairing of black eyeliner and make up.
Ben