Album Review: "River Seven" (River Seven)

Before this review gets underway, I just have to say, doesn't the lead singer, Michael Bongertman look like he could be the musical, younger brother of actor Michael Fassbender? I mentioned that to contributing writer Kayla and she agreed, adding, "Oh he's cute." I can also hear my good friend Shane saying, "Well have you seen both Mike's in the same room at the same time?"

However there is more than a celebrity-likeness to Bongertman. There is a sound coming from this Toronto band that is along the lines of Jason Mraz, John Mayer and Maroon 5 (minus the highly annoying smug attitudes of the last two). Add in classic rock, blues, and hints of R&B for good measure. This mix of styles is the work of the aforementioned  Bongertman, Peter Anzelmo on the bass and Tony Carpino on the drums. They are River Seven and this is their self-titled debut.

01. Follow Me In
02. Something's Gotta Give
03. You Changed The Rules
04. Long To Belong
05. Falling Hard
06. Baby I'm Alive
07. Doesn't Feel Like It Used To
08. Stand Up
09. Leave The Light On
10. Little Wing
11. Happy
12. Everybody Here Wants You
13. Blue
14. Baby I'm Alive (Remix)



The song and video above is how I was introduced to River Seven. The song has a good message, calling to attention the shape of our world and how we use/abuse it. However something about the clip just doesn't sit well with me. I'm not saying "Something's Gotta Give" is a bad song, rather the music video for it could have been something else than something of a literal translation of the lyrics.

The interesting element about discovering River Seven is that there is far more to enjoy with their music than the quasi-rocky start with the aforementioned music video. In this case the (very) good outweighs the iffy.

"BABY I'M ALIVE"
There are two versions of this song on the album. The remix version really only adds in a whimsical-like opening. Otherwise the original and remix versions are essentially the same. I look at it as two opportunities to listen to a song that I can see being received well here in the US. It has a fit for radio melody with a sprinkle of some blues rock that gives it enough reasoning to be the focus track of the album.

"HAPPY"
The chorus simply cannot be ignored. An often repeated message that really we all ought to subscribe to and live out more often, myself included. Add a bridge that includes what my guess is, the saxophone with the brief guitar solo and this track is without my favorite on the album.

It isn't about dollar bills, it isn't about freedom of will. It's the little things that make us happy. It isn't about diamond rings or the superficial things. It's the little things that make us happy.

Rounding out the album are two fantastic covers of Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Buckley songs, "Little Wing" and "Everybody Here Wants You" respectively. Bongertman's smooth voice make the covers a very worthwhile listen, and hell just how smooth it is, the iconic Al Green would be a fan as well. Like I said, the good outweighs a somewhat rocky start here. I am a fan and will certainly be revisiting this album come end of the year discussions. There is just that feeling of this is a complete package where just about everything comes together in strong fashion. Another example of something recently having that I would say is The Airborne Toxic Event. On a bigger platform, people will be hooked by River Seven's strong debut. It is just a matter of time before they are standing on that platform.

It should be noted that the album is already out in digital format with the physical (old school) CD format due for release in March. You can hit up the band's website where you can listen to the album with strong recommendations on the songs I mentioned here. Listen to the music. It's a good one.

River Seven (official website)

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