Review Summary: One of the earliest examples of melodic hardcore and the inspiration for the Youth Crew movement, 7 Seconds' debut album is a brisk and thoroughly enjoyable landmark of 1980s punk rock.
7 Seconds is one of the more tuneful bands from the early wave of 80s hardcore; incorporating Ramones-esque musicianship and shout-along vocals sung with adolescent passion. Thier 1984 album, "Crew", is packed full of addictive straight-edge brilliance. With topics ranging from bullying, senseless-violence, war, drugs/alchohal, sexism, friendship and the value of trust; Kevin Seconds wages a personal war of social and political concern that he invites you into with a brotherly-love attitude.
The fast, catchy hooks and scream-real-loud deliverance makes for a fun and blood-pumping listen. The rythem section is strong and really drives the music forward in a big way. Drummer Troy Mowat is a hearty kit-basher whos not afraid to throw in a few brisk fills here and there. Bassist Steve Youth has an impressive amount of stamina and dexterity, overshadowing Bob Adams' simple buzzsaw playing with his thick and bouncy attack. The production is spotty and varies song to song, but this is an 80's HC band were talking about, so that comes as no suprise. Track lengths range from 24 seconds (Straight On) to 2 minutes and 13 seconds (Trust), and the 18-song LP clocks in under 19 minutes. Each song is straight-to-the-point; usually with a slapdash of simple, fleeting melodicism. While the compositions all seem to run into each other, it creates the feeling of a live punk rock show.
And also something is to be said of thier standing as a straight-edge band. 7 Seconds are certainly a more accessible x-wrist crew then many of thier contemporaries (such as Minor Threat, Negative FX and State Of Alert) who were much more hostile and aggresive in thier sound, lifestyle promotion and politics. Non-SE listeners can appreciate the way Kevin doesnt shove his beliefs down your throat, rather focusing on describing what benefits and concerns the well being of himself and others. In thier later years, 7 Seconds would grow to include more variety in thier sound, but thier finest moments are in this album. An undeniable HC classic.
