7 Seconds

Good to Go (Side One Dummy)
by Tim Den

Nothing bad can be said about 7 Seconds. Not about their classic records (The Crew, Old School, Walk Together, Rock Together), not about their melodic records (New Wind, The Music, The Message), nothing. They’re one of the only bands that’s outlived numerous label changes, trends, stylistic experiments, and still manages to keep the band 90% consistent (Kevin Seconds, younger bro Steve Youth, and Troy Mowat have been in the band since day one), putting out incredible music again and again. Name another band with a history like that. Okay, I may be biased because 7 Seconds was the first punk band I heard back in 7th grade (and they’re still one of my favs), but ask anyone about this band and you will get the same response. 7 Seconds rules.

With Good to Go, the 15+ year old miracle has gone back to their early days for inspiration (most likely at the urging of every drunken, ill-educated punk rocker), and this record is right up there with the classics. Starting with the opening track, “Sooner or Later,” the unmistakable voice and melodies of Kev make you feel like a kid again. As I dove over the desk to point my finger into the sky, singing and all, I remembered how much I love this fucking band. The rebellion, the optimism, the love, the anthems… oh God the anthems! Never have I wanted to sing so loud with a band.

For those who are overjoyed at this band’s return to roots, you deserve it (even though some of you idiots hated the criminally original and underrated New Wind). Many of us have stuck with this band through thick and thin because we knew they kicked ass no matter what, and this is the reward. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: 7 Seconds rule.
(6201 Sunset Blvd., Suite 211 Hollywood, CA 90028)