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SevendustNext Winedark/7Bros/Roadrunner Congratulations should go to Atlanta's Sevendust as the latest entry into the annals of bands that have survived against the odds and the will of angry gods. They have somehow managed to navigate the briar patch of line-up changes, record company spats and even an unholy (but thankfully brief) touring alliance with soft-cock metallurgists Creed. Even though all these shenannigans are behind them Sevendust are still doing a fine job of creating obstacles for themselves - only this time it is purely within the realm of their own songs. 'Next' is a good example of a band who knows how to fight but doesn't know what to fight for. The hammering opener of Hero shows that Sevendust are going through a personality crisis of sorts. While their enigmatic lead singer Lajon Witherspoon is in fine voice (even though his husky tones still remain disconcertingly similar to those of Living Colour's Corey Glover) a new-found spiteful intensity in his angst-ridden lyrics don't quite seem authentic and sit uneasily on top of the onslaught created by his chargers. Maybe I'm getting jaded in my old age but the ubiquitous stimulus (sung) and response (screamed) tricks, the "I hate my record company" themes as heard on Ugly and shout-at-the-wall rants like Pieces all sound pretty dated. It's a shame because Witherspoon's vocal chord mastery hints at much more emotional integrity than what is here on record. If you need convincing that he has got it in him just see his beautiful contribution to Strait Up's Angel's Son. I am sure that if they managed to pool their talents and turn their drive into direction they could easily fashion a bold, inspiring and intelligent work. If you want a brilliant expose of hard rock that is musically faultless, recorded well and full of fire 'Next' is probably all you need in an album. On the other hand, I get the sense that Sevendust are starting to look for note as artists rather than just being proficient musicians. For that they still need a dramatic impetus other than directionless rage.  |
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