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CD REVIEW: 7 Months Later - Time to Decide By: Cyrus Rhodes
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Artist:
7 Months Later Label: Independent Artist Website: http://7monthslater.com/ Genre: Indie Rock, Popish Alternative Rock Sounds Like: Jimmy Eat World, Incubus, Good Charlotte, & Reliant K Technical Grade: 9/10
Production/Musicianship Grade:
8/10 Weakness: Winded songs, Short Sided CD
Orlando 4 piece “7 Months Later” releases their latest CD entitled Time to Decide in 2011. Band line-up includes Chris Ganoudis (vocals, guitar), Adam Sliger (guitar, vocals, keyboards), David Whitmore (bass, vocals) and Nick Davila (drums).
The CD quickly kicks things off with rocking “Outlines” an impressive intro piece that dishes out a low end rock groove, with driving rhythm against hooky vocal melody & infectious vocal hooks & phrasing from lead singer Chris Ganoudis. Track 2 “Disengage” serves-up another strong piece of music combining rocking guitar, well placed keyboard ambience combined with raw vocal passion that methodically flows & ebbs its way through emotional fruition. Track 3 “Time & Time Again” presents more passionate piece combining mesmerizing intro that merges into a power ballad of sorts with thought provoking lyrics & an amazing vocal finale. As the CD slowly unfolds I can hear many different musical textures reminiscent of classic Jimmy Eat World, Incubus, Good Charlotte, & Reliant K. The music has everything you would expect from a 4 piece rock band solid low end rock grooves, driving distorted rhythm guitar, solos, piano, well placed keyboard accents, & catchy melodic vocals. The vocal style of Ganoudis goes down smooth & fills the space peacefully & unobtrusively. As the CD slowly reveals more & more to you its obvious 7 Months Later is an accomplished rock band that is fun to listen to providing catchy melodies & a solid writing with a rock vibe. If these guys had a solid live presentation they would indeed be even more deadly. All songs themselves are solid across the board with the lyrical content that is short & sweet, even providing flashes of clever conventional wisdom. From heartfelt “All Out” & ”La Douleur” to passionate “Just Pretend” to dynamic “Faster, Faster” this CD has something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “Friction” the perfect final statement for a CD like this.
All songs over 3.5 minutes tend to drag you to the finish line. The CD is a bit short at around 30 minutes. Perhaps 3-4 more songs are need to really seal the deal for me. I also wish there were a few well-crafted vocal harmonies sprinkled throughout the CD. This would give the vocal delivery more variety across the board. I’m also not a fan of extreme right & left guitar pans within the mix.
The latest CD from 7 Months Later entitled Time to Decide is a rock solid statement. This CD is an impressive statement that clearly proves this band is a force to be reckoned with in the Orlando area. There’s really not a weak song on the CD. I would even go so far as to say 75% of this CD is radio friendly. I especially like how the songs hit hard yet still maintain strong marketability & melodic structure.
Cyrus Rhodes
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